The Role of Society in the N-Helix Innovation Model: A Systematic Review of the Literature

In a regional innovation ecosystem, society plays a fundamental role in the relationships between companies, universities, and governments. This cooperation model emerges with the quadruple helix, where the influence of civil society in innovation processes and regional systems is visualized. Despite numerous N-Helix models, a significant gap exists in understanding society’s role, necessitating a robust conceptual framework. This study addresses this gap by focusing on society’s role in regional innovation ecosystems within triple and quadruple helix models, advancing innovation dynamics understanding and cooperation insights among companies, universities, governments, and civil society. The research employs a systematic literature review on the N-Helix, examining society’s role in innovation. A two-step methodological approach includes bibliometric analysis from the Web of Science database and a systematic literature review. Three hundred fifty-seven articles were analyzed, addressing questions on the importance of society in N-Helix studies, main research lines, and emerging research areas. In the review, several challenges with civil society stand out in strategic lines defined mainly by their contributions to emerging matters. We organize these strategic lines in three dimensions: management and public policy, users of innovation (relations with the N-Helix), and emerging technologies. This study aids public agents in understanding civil society interactions in regional innovation systems, facilitating more participatory public policies. The participation of civil society is essential for developing and effectively implementing innovation policies. Active involvement in innovation processes positions civil society as a key player, contributing to policy development and implementing multi-helix models, thus enhancing interconnections between government, companies, universities, and civil society.