The EU Reformers project aims to develop sustainable ecosystems through the quadruple helix. This approach, evolved from the triple helix theory of knowledge exchange for innovation, adds a fourth element: the social factor. The question is whether this concept can be easily applied to smaller regions without universities for fundamental research. Although the quadruple helix adds the social factor, literature often seems to be more inspired by new information and communication technology than by sociological knowledge. This working paper starts with social systems theory and a tool used to develop a regional scenario in a structured manner. Discussed is how learning can take place in a small region, indicating that this can also be analyzed at different levels. It provides a more practical implementation of cooperation between education, business, government and society.
Menu