A quadruple helix model of entrepreneurship, innovation and stages of economic development

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the role of entrepreneurship in economic development based on the four dimensions of the quadruple helix model (Government, University, Enterprise and Society) in relation to the three stages of economy defined by the GEM (innovation-, efficiency- and factor-driven economies). In this context, the authors considered a set of variables that allowed them to measure and verify the stimulus that the four helixes represent in economic development.Design/methodology/approachThis study was supported on secondary data from the GEM platform for 58 countries, for 2015. SPSS software was used to analyze data, which allowed the use of the ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis tests, as well as the generalized linear regression.FindingsThe results show that in the factor-driven economies, there is a greater influence by the industry, while in the efficiency-driven economies, there is homogeneity among the four dimensions, highlighting only the variables “R&D transfer” and “Entrepreneurial Intention”. Because of the constant need for innovation to become more competitive, in the innovation-driven economies, business and government are the most important dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsBoth in the scientific community with future empirical studies that can confirm the relevance of this model to better understanding which dimensions of quadruple helix improve economic development, and in the governmental community, to serve for policies and strategies that stimulate entrepreneurship to foster the transition from one stage of economic development to another.Originality/valueProposal and test of a quadruple helix model, using the variables available in the GEM database, to the three stages of economic development of the economies that were involved in the GEM.