Rede ecossistêmica de inovação no contexto da ampliação da hélice tríplice: estudo de caso do capacete elmo

Abstract

Changes in the economic and social context have reshaped business dynamics and innovation models. The traditional university–industry–government triad has evolved to incorporate new helices, such as the Quadruple Helix and the Quintuple Helix, aiming to provide a more comprehensive explanation of interactions among ecosystem actors in the innovation process. Despite the growing adoption of these approaches, a theoretical gap remains regarding the understanding of their functioning and dynamics in specific empirical contexts. In this regard, the objective of this thesis is to understand the ecosystemic network of innovation among actors in the context of the triple helix amplification. This research adopts a qualitative, exploratorydescriptive approach and is conducted through a case study based on the development of the Elmo assisted breathing helmet. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis, ensuring triangulation of sources. Data analysis was carried out using content analysis and Social Network Analysis (SNA), which was employed as a strategy to represent the structural configuration of the network resulting from interactions among innovation ecosystem actors. The results allowed the identification and analysis of three central categories: (i) actors; (ii) resources; and (iii) the enabling environment. The findings reveal a dynamic interdependence among actors, in which the complementarity of competencies and institutional roles constitutes a key element for the generation of collective value within the collaborative ecosystem network. The analyzed network fostered an interactive and cooperative process in which eleven roles were identified, including the incorporation of three new roles into Hoffecker’s (2019) theoretical framework: collaborating, debureaucratizing, and fostering innovation. These roles proved essential for the effectiveness of interactions and for enabling the innovation process. The findings confirm that the Quadruple Helix model is more sensitive to the dynamic and evolving nature of society, influencing innovation processes and facilitating alignment across different social spheres. As a result, a conceptual framework integrating actors, resources, and the enabling environment was systematized, serving as an analytical and methodological tool to strengthen collaborative innovation ecosystem networks and to support public policy formulation. The theoretical and empirical contributions of this thesis advance the understanding of the expansion of the Triple Helix toward more complex forms of governance, highlighting the importance of integrative approaches that consider actor heterogeneity and relational dynamics.