Rethinking the quadruple helix in place-based innovation: power, space and public experience

X. Saldivar, A. Davis, B. Wagner, C. Valor

Journal of Place Management and Development

Summary:

Purpose

The paper aims to explore how stakeholder governance dynamics shape public experiences in innovation district spaces. It addresses a gap in the public lifeworld by interrogating the quadruple helix model of innovation and its spatial consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews with community council representatives and residents in two Glasgow innovation districts were analysed thematically through the lens of social space theory.

Findings

From the public’s perspective, innovation districts are governed unequally. This reinforces the production of districts as territorial enclaves and as spaces of urban colonisation, privileging institutional interests and capitalist logics while marginalising existing communities.

Originality/value

The study provides a public-centred critique of the quadruple helix model of innovation, linking power dynamics to lived spatial experiences. It conceptualises innovation districts as territorial enclaves and as colonial landscapes. Ultimately, it calls for more meaningful public inclusion to confront enduring urban divisions.

Spanish layman's summary:

Este estudio analiza la gobernanza de dos distritos de innovación de Glasgow. Las entrevistas revelan un poder desigual que crea enclaves territoriales, privilegia intereses institucionales y capitalistas, margina a las comunidades locales y exige una inclusión pública efectiva.

English layman's summary:

This study examines how governance shapes public experiences in two Glasgow innovation districts. Interviews reveal unequal power that creates territorial enclaves, privileges institutional and capitalist interests, and marginalises communities, calling for meaningful public inclusion.

Keywords: Innovation districts, Social space, Urban colonisation, Capitalism, Public experience

JCR-JIF Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 2,400 - Q2 (2025)

DOI reference: https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMD-01-2026-0013

In press: July 2026.

Citation:
X. Saldivar, A. Davis, B. Wagner, C. Valor, "Rethinking the quadruple helix in place-based innovation: power, space and public experience", Journal of Place Management and Development, doi: 10.1108/JPMD-01-2026-0013