Implementing the Quadruple Helix towards Social Innovation: The Case of the Human Power Hub, Braga, Portugal

The diversity and complexity of current societal challenges call for social entrepreneurship and social innovation approaches focused on promoting organizations and projects with social purposes and benefits. This chapter builds upon the theory of the quadruple helix, considering the contribution of multiple stakeholders to foster entrepreneurship and the importance of knowledge transfer. We discuss the case study of the Human Power Hub (HPH), a social innovation centre located in Braga, Portugal. This case study illustrates how the assumptions of the theory of the quadruple helix can be implemented in the social context, particularly to promote a social entrepreneurship ecosystem and facilitate social innovation. This challenge promotes the development of the social economy or fourth sector. This chapter provides theoretical implications and managerial recommendations for social entrepreneurs.