The quadruple helix and its relationship with quality management in the commercial sector of Quevedo Canton.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/eezd5j31Keywords:
Quadruple helix, Quality management, Local commerce, MSMEs, Territorial developmentAbstract
Regional quality management constitutes a decisive factor in driving competitiveness and sustainable territorial development across productive sectors. The general objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the interaction between University, Business, Government, and Society, under the Quadruple Helix model, on quality management in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) of the commercial sector in Quevedo canton. The methodology adopted a quantitative approach, with a correlational-explanatory scope and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. Primary data collection was conducted through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire, validated by expert judgment, and demonstrating high overall reliability (Cronbach's Alpha α = 0.886). The sample consisted of 357 commercial establishments selected via probabilistic sampling. Descriptive results revealed a medium-high level in quality management (μ = 3.63), with the highest scores observed in the Society (μ = 3.73) and Business (μ = 3.46) axes, whereas the University (μ = 2.76) and Government (μ = 2.52) axes exhibited deficient performances. Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality tests determined non-parametric distributions across all variables (p < 0.05). Spearman's correlation test confirmed positive and statistically significant associations (p < 0.01) between all four axes and quality management, with Business (rs = 0.584) and Society (rs = 0.521) helices showing the strongest relationships. It is concluded that the model operates asymmetrically within the canton, highlighting the need to simplify governmental regulatory frameworks and strengthen university knowledge transfer to consolidate local commercial competitiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marcelo Geovanny Monge García , Shirley Eliana Zavala García , Fernanda Yamileth Vargas Cedeño , Luis Sebastián Acurio Martínez (Autor/a)
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