Abstract Research on innovation ecosystems is mostly approached from the point of view of institution-oriented aspects, which typically focus on the structural elements of innovation systems. However, this perspective has limitations to describe a really functioning innovation system, as it does not take into account its complex nature of dynamics and the functional features. The authors run research on models of innovation ecosystems based on complexity theory principles. The presented perspective, based on complexity theory, takes into account not only the structural and the complex but also the dynamic feature of the innovation ecosystems, still using the triple helix approach as a basis. The objective of the article is to present a system model framework for innovation ecosystems, that can be used for development of technology and science parks management models. The approach of the research is based on literature review and discussion of relevant results, followed by explanation and concluding a possible innovation ecosystem framework model, finally demonstrated its interpretation through a specific case. In its first part, the article gives a general overview on complex systems from point of related findings on innovation ecosystems. Based on literature review, the preliminary analysis of the authors in the subject is given. Then, the relevant model features are described, then and the proof of the concept is explained according to the research. The descriptive features of complex systems based on the referenced papers are used to interpret the proposed model. The main outcome of the article is a comprehensive innovation ecosystem model as a tool to understand and analyse such systems based on actors, functions and key factors. The authors demonstrated in the article that features of complex systems not only help describing innovation ecosystems but also support defining key model elements. An empiric case of ZalaZONE Technology Park was shown related to the presented innovation ecosystem model. Finally, the next steps of the model development are outlined and advice is concluded for application of the model in the practice and in further research. The novelty of the article is pointing out that the simple model of triple helix and the complexity approach as a view for modelling the real circumstances, can be well-combined to outline a comprehensive model for innovation ecosystems.
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