Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.30924/mjcmi.30.2.7
Enhancing innovation in smart cities: applying the quintuple helix model to the development of sustainability-oriented smart city services
Kristina Nagode
orcid.org/0000-0002-1440-4589
; School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
*
Anton Manfreda
orcid.org/0000-0003-0469-5201
; School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Smart cities are increasingly recognized as a key solution for addressing challenges posed by rapid urbanization, climate change, and various political, health, and other crises. They primarily aim to promote sustainable development, mitigate existing climate-change-related and other issues and ensuring good quality of life for citizens. In this process, stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and community need to collaborate effectively. The aim of this study is to explore how sustainability-oriented smart city services are created from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Using a qualitative, exploratory approach, we conducted eleven interviews with experts from government, academia, and industry across three countries. Thematic and comparative analysis revealed the emergence of a new system in the innovation creation process, namely the data system. However, stakeholders emphasize that technology alone is insufficient for smart city development, highlighting the need for human-driven decision-making that aligns with residents’ needs and city capabilities. This study proposes a thematic map illustrating the varying interpretations of smart city definitions across different stakeholder groups. Additionally, it proposes a framework, grounded in the Quintuple Helix Model, to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in the creation of sustainability-oriented smart city services and proposes its extension with data systems.
Keywords
smart cities; smart city services; sustainability; stakeholders; quintuple helix model; innovation
Hrčak ID:
342011
URI
Publication date:
25.9.2025.
Visits: 582 *