Hélice quádrupla e quíntupla e seus relacionamentos em parques científico-tecnológicos consolidados no Brasil

Abstract

New dynamics as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Artificial Intelligence and Smart Cities, besides changes on the social and economic scenario, impact business dynamics and innovation models. The traditional triad formed by university-firm-government relationships, received new helices as in the Quadruple Helix (Society) and Quintuple Helix (Environment), to help explain the current technological dynamics. Despite the imminence of new helices, a theoretical gap for understanding them is evident, especially in the context of Science and Technology Parks (STPs). Hence, the following research question emerges: Is it possible to perceive the performance of new actors of a Quadruple and Quintuple Helices (QQH) model in consolidated Brazilian STPs that help strengthen these environments? Therefore, the aim of this research is to understand the existence of performance evidences of actors that represent the Quadruple and Quintuple Helices in consolidated national STPs understanding their relationships, the way they strengthen these environments and propose a theoretical-analytical model that represent the studied context. To this end, the study has an exploratory and descriptive nature, based on mixed methods. The study uses multiple cases in 3 consolidated national STPs: Porto Digital, Tecnopuc e Parque Tecnológico de São José dos Campos. Regarding data collection, both secondary (documents such as reports, websites and informs) and primary (interviews, field notes, netnography and questionnaires) data were used, assuring data collection triangulation and reinforces the credibility of the research. Data analysis was performed through Content Analysis for documents, interviews, field notes and netnography, and Structural Equation Modeling for questionnaires. As theoretical results, the rise of the QQH topic is evidenced as of 2010, proven by the increase in the amount of publications and quotations, and by the explosion of quotations. Additionally, there are evidences of QQH operations, highlighting the role of intermediary institutions (associations and community centers) in the helices model with government in the model, and the government as the main funder. Theoretical results also evidence the existence of QQH in innovation environments, such as STPs and incubators. From the empirical perspective it can be noticed, in the 3 STPs, different forms of representing the QQH. The differences between society representations (Quadruple Helices -QH) may result from maturity of environments, cultural aspects and their location, and also their formation history. It was identified that all them can materialize society, either by associations, independent professionals, collectives and even a specific identity such as ‗Pacto Alegre‘. The study evidenced an active society, with a voice represented by collectives, able to mobilize public policies and review how STPs performed. Hence, society is no longer a foundation, becoming a strong actor of mobilization and connection. Besides this characterization of QH, the work brings distinct characteristics of relationships among actors of the QH. Associations get involved with other institutions, while collectives get involved with people. People are who carry the institutions, but the interaction is among people. Regarding the Quintuple Helix (5H), it is not seen as an actor, but perceived in sustainability actions and also in disseminating relevant business at ‗Tecnopuc‘ and ‗Porto Digital‘. With the results, an alignment between the QQH and the future vision of STPs was perceived, which was confirmed by firms in the theoretical proposal with Structural Equation Modeling.