DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120306

Summary
The debate on innovation systems has recently been improved through the development of more dynamic and forward-looking approaches. Scholars and researchers have started to reserve attention for System Dynamics, a widely used methodology for modelling complex socio-economic systems. Moreover, recent innovation models such as the Quintuple Helix framework call for an effort for better understanding and forecasting relationships among ecology, knowledge and innovation, deeply analysing synergies among economy, society, and democracy. This paper focuses on the relationships between the Quintuple Helix and System Dynamics modelling from a quantitative perspective. It discusses how the application of Network Analysis metrics advances the understanding of an innovation system mapped with a Quintuple Helix model. Using Global Innovation Index, a Casual Loop Diagram has been designed representing the process of knowledge generation and innovation dissemination within the Quintuple Helix model. Identification of structural features within Causal Loop Diagrams through Network Analysis is likely to provide new insights into the emergent properties of an innovation system seen as a complex system. Meanwhile, analysing central drivers has the potential to identify leverage points. Results obtained show the benefits of coupling Network Analysis with System Dynamics modelling and valuable evidence of relationships among helices.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This article combines approaches form the Quintuple Helix interpretation of (National) Innovation Systems with System Dynamics and Network Analysis. This approach has the advantage that it can make simulations out of the else static approach of the Quintuple Helix. The article is very detailed in the methodology, which makes it possible to try out the approach on researcher´s own datasets. Starting from making a Casual Loop Diagram that can be converted to a Network analysis it is possible to apply the methods from System Dynamics.
A sceptical note is that the actual data representing the five domains of the Quintuple Helix might be hard to define and to find the datasources. There is also a lack of understanding of the intermediary theoretical approaches for this domains and their relations that would be required to make the model more relevant to real world situations, not only to the technical simulation.

Point of Strength
The article could be inspiring for students in a course on innovation systems and contribute to their ideas on how to conduct studies. However, it would need a cautious supervision from the lecturer/supervisors.