The Quintuple Helix Modeling Technological Innovation: Characterization and the Status of Business Accelerators in a Metropolitan Region

Purpose: The theme of technological innovation, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has generated significant turbulence both in literature and in executive business practices. Among the various explanatory models of the development context in the area, the Quintuple Helix emerges. Objective: This study aims to describe and analyze the current state of business accelerators in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte - MG (Brazil). Methodology: A qualitative research was carried out, in which 6 executives of business accelerators and 4 representatives of institutions that support innovation were interviewed. These institutions were characterized as a control group, but they contribute to the evolution of the Minas Gerais innovation ecosystem. A literature search was carried out to identify constructs and variables applicable to the proposed model as a study reference. Results: The main results showed the relevance of the constructs and variables, demonstrating the convenience of the model to study and plan its applicability, both academically, in the evolution of knowledge, and in the executive function, since it approaches the current reality of the accelerators of business studied here. Contribution to the evolution of the knowledge: Analysis of an emerging model and proposition of validations compatible with the need for its consolidation as a theory. Executive contribution: Offering an evolving model, but interesting as a structure applicable to the evolution of institution development.