A Study on Mitigating Transaction Costs for Quadruple Helix-Based Start-up Firms : Focus On Theoretical Integration for Tech Start-up Ecosystem Growth

Focus On Theoretical Integration for Tech Start-up Ecosystem Growth 586 integrated theoretical approach based on the Quadruple Helix framework.It focuses on the role of the locational environment-economic feasibility, accessibility, and convenience-in shaping interactions among the four innovation actors: industry, academia, government, and civil society.The results indicate that locational factors significantly affect industrial, academic, and civic actors, directly influencing start-up survival and growth.In contrast, government actors are less sensitive to these factors due to stable resources and limited responsiveness to market dynamics.To promote sustainable growth, startups must enhance their absorptive capacity for external knowledge and technology.A collaborative system among Quadruple Helix components is essential to adapt to environmental change and reduce transaction costs.This study suggests that transforming the current government-led start-up model into a synergistic, circular structure grounded in Quadruple Helix interaction can strengthen ecosystem resilience.Furthermore, leveraging innovation intermediaries-such as Centers for Creative Economy and Innovation (CCEIs) and Techno Parks-can help reduce high transaction costs faced by SMEs.Policy efforts should prioritize enabling startups to grow autonomously, supporting the long-term sustainability of regional startup ecosystems.