Community leadership and the Triple Helix model as determinants of the constitution of science parks

Community leadership and the Triple Helix model as determinants of the constitution of science parks: A Brazilian experience

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze and understand the condition that lead to a constitution’s path of Brazilian Science Parks, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and consequently to propose a new dimension of analysis to the Triple Helix. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used to elaborate a descriptive and exploratory research design, where a case study method was applied on six science parks. Findings The use of the Triple Helix model could not explain the Brazilian Science Park development realities. A new element, related to the innovation model, was considered as a determinant in the constitution of the Brazilian parks, and is represented as the community leadership category, as the Fourth Helix. Research limitations/implications Since it is a qualitative study, the results obtained have a strong relation with the local, cultural and historically constructed contexts. Bias from the researchers’ subjectivity in the data collection procedures is present, although the validity and reliability measures were performed. Practical implications The construction of designed and implemented specific “fertile models,” which are capable of developing the necessary conditions for the constitution and the consolidation of science parks in Brazil. Social implications Such empirical contribution comes from data referring to spontaneous and endogenous local community development movements. Originality/value The identification of a new element of the Triple Helix innovation model is represented as the community leadership category and is considered as a key determinant in the constitution of the Brazilian Science Parks.