Mapping of the Quintuple Helix Model Pillars and Digitalization in European Union Countries

Digitization and innovation supported by various innovation systems have become key factors in the sustainable development of companies, countries (including UE countries), and the economy as a whole. The primary objective of this study is to explore the interconnections between the perspectives of the Quintuple Helix model and digitalization as a comprehensive innovation system supporting digitalization in EU countries. The study is grounded in the innovation systems theory, specifically employing the Quintuple Helix Model as a comprehensive framework, and addresses the challenge of digital divide across the EU. The research was conducted using K-means cluster analysis to identify homogeneous groups of countries within the EU. Subsequently, correlation analysis was applied to identify statistically significant relationships between the individual variables examined within the Quintuple Helix model and digitization within EU countries. Based on the results, we identified four distinct clusters of EU countries characterized by different degrees of digitization, governance, and intellectual Capital. It was found that countries with the highest level of digitization are also characterized by the highest levels of governance and intellectual Capital. Correlation analysis confirmed a strong interconnection between the examined perspectives of the Quintuple Helix model and their relationship with digitization.