A Quadruple and Quintuple Helix Approach to Regional Innovation Systems in the Transformation to a Forestry-Based Bioeconomy

Abstract

This article aims to understand the possible preconditions for the transformation of a regional innovation system (RIS) into a quadruple and quintuple helix system applied to the development of a sustainable forestry-based bioeconomy in Värmland, Sweden. Research points to the necessity not only of further developing current innovation systems to include more actors than earlier but also of taking concern for the environment as a way towards attaining sustainability. The research was carried out in response to the need to understand the fourth helix and its role in RIS and to transform to a sustainable bioeconomy, as identified by researchers, policymakers and industry representatives. This study was inspired by participatory transdisciplinarity and a transdisciplinary research design, acknowledging the importance of a variety of actors in knowledge production from different spheres of society. Much of the empirical material gathered for this research was based on interviews and a workshop with different stakeholders. The results show that the use of a quintuple helix RIS in Värmland for the transformation to a forestry-based bioeconomy could be a possible way forward towards sustainability. The model proposes that involvement of civil society in the innovation system could contribute to a larger societal transformation that aims to change consumer behaviour, production patterns, technological developments, infrastructure, norms and values. However, the involvement of civil society in the innovation system must still be regarded as part of a vision statement in regional policy documents.

A Processual Approach for the Quadruple Helix Model: the Case of a Regional Project in Uppsala

“…The fourth helix is also investigated as Binnovation intermediaries^that are based in universities to support small and medium enterprises (Betz et al 2016). Among other examples are entrepreneurs who are driving regional development (Carayannis and Rakhmatullin 2014), in rural and less-favored regions, where the community often plays a dominant entrepreneurial role to enhance innovation (Kolehmainen et al 2016), and in the forestry-based bioeconomy in Sweden, where the aim is to add the perspectives and expertise from civil society and citizens to further develop the bioeconomy in the region (Grundel and Dahlström 2016). However, the authors (ibid) highlight that there is no clear direction on how the civil society is supposed to be part of the transformation process, in this particular case, and that so far, there has been no involvement of the fourth helix.…”

“…Intermediate organizations, such as NGOs, are consequently targeted for a more effective inclusion of civil society actors in innovation programs and projects (Lindberg et al 2014). Better communication between different actors has in addition been recognized as needed, particularly for the engagement of the civil society, as they commonly feel left out of decision-making processes (Grundel and Dahlström 2016). Kolehmainen et al (2016) suggest strategic thinking and actions, mutual interest, and commitment as of great importance for QH collaborations.…”

“…Hjorth et al (2015, p. 600) argue that Bthrough time, there are breaks in coherence or consistency^of the patterns, such as mergers, changes, histories represented, due to the various groups' different interest and desires. Similarly, Grundel and Dahlström (2016) argue that different actors also have different aims and goals making it difficult to collaborate. For example, governments usually build their judgments on development and growth agendas, whereas academia focuses on the exchange of ideas and knowledge.…”

“…The transformation of societies into more sustainable ones is additionally recognized as complex since it demands multifaceted knowledge production and dissemination (Grundel and Dahlström 2016), where a smooth step-bystep inclusion of the general public, the fourth helix, is of utmost importance (Carayannis and Campbell 2011). Hence, instead of looking at the QH as a model for systematic stimulation of innovations and commercialization, this article focuses on how a specific collaboration unfolds and how helices are shaped processually via micro-processes of change (e.g., see Tsoukas and Chia 2002).…”

Identifying Business Ethics Manifestation in Ecopreneurship Implementation: Study from Fish 'n Blues Enterprise in Indonesian Fishery Industry

“…The innovation system consist of four parties consist of government, university, industry and the fourth party is citizens, NGOs, labor unions and another party that concern to growth-oriented perspective such consumer and users [19]. This comprehensive approach may the appropriate indicator because every party has their part and action to support the ecopreneurship.…”