A hypothetical improvement of the quadruple helix model of innovation

Abstract

era shows a holistic mode of production and technology into which science and not mere engineering has been integrated as part of ordinary functioning. The modern innovation culture, which is underpinned by digital technology, has almost re-invented innovation in the sense that the current digital force is being merged with the biological and physical worlds for more revolutions to come. This phenomenon brings a new model of innovation with many underlying social dimensions, such as the academic revolution (Etzkowitz & Viale 2010) and social change (Andretsch 2014; Reischauer 2018), not only to be found in electronics and automatic machinery but rather in the transformation of science itself. Orientation: Innovation is forged by sub-revolutions as described by the quadruple helix (QH) model. Research purpose: Innovation model formation is complex, and the useful QH model can develop and improve to be exemplary. Motivation for the study: The rationale of the study is to validate and improve the QH model with additional concepts, fresh perspectives of experts and the investigation of the primary sub-revolutions forging innovation. Research design, approach and method: A conceptual and critical review approach implied narrative data of the model from secondary sources; a convenience sample of five innovation experts for critical reviews was thematically analysed. Main findings: Ultimately, the improved QH model must accommodate the legal, moral and ethical world to merge with the physical, biological and digital worlds; appropriate terminology for QH innovation leadership is needed, and triple technology theory (TTT) should be incorporated with the triple management theory (TMT) dimension of the model; the review conformed the sub-revolutions of innovation with respect to (1) innovation leadership, upscaling agility and innovation essentials, (2) the triple helix (TH) ecosystems sub-revolution and epochal society and (3) the new technological paradigm, technology intensity and TMT. Practical/managerial implications: The already useful QH model is confirmed and may develop to become exemplary with respect to the hypothetical improvements suggested. Contribution/value-add: A fresh and improved QH model is suggested in the context of complex innovation model formation and the paucity of literature.