This paper explores the evolution of helix innovation models, progressing from the Triple Helix (3TH) through the Quadruple Helix (4QH) to the Quintuple Helix (5QH), and examines their contribution to the development of innovation ecosystems (IES). Building on theoretical insights and institutional practices, it highlights the increasingly significant role of key actors in shaping, consolidating, and enhancing the efficiency of IES. The findings indicate that the integration of civil society within the 4QH model and the inclusion of the natural environment within the 5QH model have had a substantial impact on the evolution of IES. Furthermore, the growing levels of collaboration, inclusiveness, and sustainability characteristic of helix models enhance innovation capacity, strengthen social responsibility, and ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of contemporary IES. In other words, the contribution of the helix approach to IES development lies not only in expanding the number of actors but also in their interdependence, ability to generate synergy, and capacity to address challenges of inclusiveness and sustainability.
Panić et al. (Thu,) studied this question.