Smart specialization in regional innovation systems : a quadruple helix perspective

This article explores Robotdalen, a smart specialization initiative in the region of Malardalen, Sweden, and its impact on regional innovation systems (RIS). The Robotdaleninitiative, with the goal to create a regional center for robotics, was established based onthe triple helix innovation systems model of industry, university, and government interaction.This paper aims to understand the dynamic interactions of the smart specializationstrategy in relation to the RIS. It also includes the perspective of the fourth helix, whichcontains civil society and users. To date, there has been a scarcity of research whichexplores the challenges of quadruple helix models from a micro perspective to understandtheir complexity. To address this, a single case study approach is taken, which includes alongitudinal perspective of 10 years (2007–2016). The analysis includes micro activitiesexplored from a strategizing perspective. The research contributes by identifying threestrategic practices that have evolved over time for Robotdalen. It also presents an empiricaloperationalization of the fourth helix, as well discusses the arrival of the fourth helixperspective