The local government unit as a partner of the regional innovation system in models of triple and quadruple helix

Abstract

In XXI century the economic growth of Poland and its regions depends on their capacity to increasing the innovative character of business entities. The improvement of innovation on a regional level demands a cooperation of vernacular partners of science, enterprises and public sector. This cooperation, based on relations and connections in processes of composing knowledge and innovations between science, economy and public authorities is described as a triple helix model. This model was developed in the last decade by media and civil society spheres and created a model of a quadruple helix. The basis of this model leans on a conviction about significant role of society and users of goods in innovation processes. The evolution of helix models enlightens a need to analyze the role and devices of activity of authorities in a region in dynamically changing conditioning of contemporary processes of innovativeness. The aim of the article is to present models of triple and quadruple helix as well as roles and placement of local authorities in regional systems of innovations in those concepts of cooperation. Besides theoretical periphrasis of those issues, it presents exemple activity of local government unit abroad. These activity fit in proinnovative activeness in model of quadruple helix. During the research, the national and foreign literature on the subject were used, as well as the results of the research of other authors. A synthesis and literature study were used for the purposes of the research paper.