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knowledge, but also to cross-connect this knowledge. These ‘extra company zone’ links can
be the start of a new innovation or innovation process.
From multiple helix innovation models to a contextual helix innovation model
This term also adds a new dimension to the existent description of innovation systems.
Traditionally, innovation systems consist of the helix enterprises – universities –
government. This point of view was elaborated by adding a fourth helix (society/media) and
a fifth one, socio-ecological transition (Carayannis, 2012).
Our research suggests a ‘multiple helix innovation approach’, adding even more ‘contextual’
elements to the Carayannis quintuple helix innovation model. The known partnerships
between industries and enterprises, academia, government and civil society are embedded
in a context in which demographical, economic, political, ecological, social and technological
factors play a significant role.
Figure 1. Contextual multiple helix innovation model.
Innovation tools
Desk research and bench marking have revealed that various European players offer a wide
variety of innovation tools for SME. The European Commission (eg. the Eco-Innovation
Observatory and the Interreg V Programme on Innovation & Research), cross-border
innovation platforms (eg. OECD), national and governmental organisations as well as private
organisations have created, tested and implemented innovation tools and other methods to
help SME face the DEPEST and additional innovation challenges. The tools and strategies are
rather varied and take the form of workshops, boot camps, consultancy sessions, fact-
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