Who are the actors of quadruple and quintuple helix? multiple cases in consolidated science and technology parks

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify if actors’ role in Quadruple and Quintuple Helix in consolidated Brazilian Science and Technology Parks aligns with Carayannis and Campbell’s (2009) proposition in their seminal paper. To this end, we carried out multiple case studies in three consolidated Science and Technology Parks (STPs). We collected data from primary (interviews and field notes) and secondary sources (documents), and used them for data triangulation. As to data treatment, we used content analysis by frequency and topic. The three parks have different ways of viewing the Quadruple Helix, but converge on the Quintuple Helix. They perceive society as associations, collectives or communities, and even as a single identity, such as Pacto Alegre. Opinions of the managers and Quadruple Helix representatives agree about the actions of associations and collectives and ways of strengthening environments. Concerning the Quintuple Helix, the study contributes with the perception of environmental sustainability as the basis, and focuses on the dissemination of impact businesses among companies by parks’ managers. We only noticed the Quadruple Helix described in that seminal paper in the collectives and in Pacto Alegre, present in two of the STPs examined. Finally, the study shows an active society capable of fostering public policies and reviewing how Science and Technology Parks act, going from a foundation to a strong actor that mobilizes the ecosystem.