Innovation systems in Chile: The four helix model of Chilean universities

Abstract

This article explores the characteristics of innovation ecosystems structured around applied research projects developed by Chilean universities, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Quadruple Helix model. Despite Chile’s strong performance in infrastructure, digitization, and market modernization, its innovation ecosystems face significant challenges, including limited collaboration between universities and industries, and a heavy geographical concentration of innovation activities in the capital, Santiago. This study reveals that innovation ecosystems in Chile are primarily centralized and exhibit weak integration between universities, government, industry, and civil society. Through statistical and network analysis of applied research projects funded by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), the study identifies critical gaps in the structure and functioning of these ecosystems. The findings suggest that the effective implementation of the Quadruple Helix model is hindered by a lack of inter-university collaboration and limited participation from civil society and industry. The article proposes strategies to foster greater connectivity, promote more inclusive ecosystems, and ensure more equitable regional integration to drive sustainable sociotechnological transformations across the country.