Business practices for strengthening the quadruple and quintuple helix : a study using structural equation modeling

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the practices and relationships of companies established in Science and Technology Parks (STPs) as drivers of the quadruple and quintuple helix (QQH) and the determinants for aligning with the future vision of STPs. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a survey of companies associated with consolidated STPs and used the Structural Equation Model technique to predict such relationships. Findings: The results showed a positive relationship between the QQH and the Future Vision of STPs, in addition to the relevance of collectives as representatives of the quadruple helix (QH). Research limitations/implications: Collectives are a recent phenomenon and require longitudinal studies on their performance in innovation environments. Practical implications: Companies that are part of collectives are the actors of the QH. Social implications: The role of collectives in aligning with the future vision of STPs should be considered. Collectives reflect people’s vision and can help STPs from being a closed environment and expand their performance, with a key role in connecting innovation environments. The authors found that collectives are promising in practices related to sustainability, thus contributing to STPs with their ability to mobilize the ecosystem. Originality/value: The research emphasizes the role of companies as agents of QQH in innovation environments, strengthening the increasing and distinct role of collectives in their relationships with STPs.