Quadruple helix connections between quantum technology clusters

As quantum technologies rapidly develop, collaboration between actors is often positioned to strengthen national quantum ecosystems and establish specialized national clusters. Such collaborations include state and non-state actors who engage in decision-making across international borders. These collaborations can be contextualized and analyzed through a quadruple helix model that comprises four interconnected sets of actors: academia, industry, government, and civil society. This study uses this model and social network analysis to examine the Canadian quantum technology ecosystem and collaboration between public and private actors and international partnerships with other middle power states, with a focus on Canadian-German partnerships. The findings highlight the interconnectedness of global networks, the governance of technology-specific connections within ecosystems, and the effectiveness of clusters for knowledge and innovation transfer. This study emphasizes the role of trade missions and small and medium-sized enterprises in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology development.