The role of individual orchestrators of innovation hubs: A multiple case study in the south of Brazil

Bruno Anicet Bittencourt; Julia Helale; Ana Laura F. Visentini; Bibiana Wolkmer Martins

doi:10.5585/2025.27160

Authors

Bruno Anicet Bittencourt Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6499-3588
Julia Helale Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Escola de Gestão para Inovação e Liderança (GIL), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0141-2600
Ana Laura F. Visentini Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7359-758X
Bibiana Wolkmer Martins Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4259-1366

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.27160

Keywords:

innovation hubs, orchestration, orchestrator

Abstract

Objective of the study: Innovation hubs have taken on a leading role in innovation-led regional development. This article seeks to understand the role of the individual orchestrators of innovation hubs from different stages.

Methodology: A multiple case study was conducted with three reference innovation hubs – Instituto Caldeira, Instituto Hélice, and Aliança Empresarial, located in different regions of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, with different market characteristics, sizes, and involvement with innovation.

Originality/Relevance: The work’s originality lies in understanding the role of the individual who is orchestrating the innovation hubs. Previous literature has focused on orchestration activities but has not considered who would perform this task.

Main results: Unlike what is mentioned in the literature, we discovered that the orchestrator needs to act on a multi-level. This study, therefore, presents a model to guide the role of individual orchestrators of innovation hubs.

Theoretical/Methodological contributions: This study opens the black box of the orchestrator's role and explores the individual level of orchestration. From this, it contributes to a role that operates at the operational, tactical, and strategic levels.

Social/management contributions: The categorization provides a managerial framework to assist in the organization, development, and orchestration of innovation hubs. The research contributes to defining the roles of individual orchestrators in practice, helping hubs of different formats to promote more innovation from their relationships.

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Author Biographies

Bruno Anicet Bittencourt, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Research Professor at the School of Business Administration. Graduate Program in Administration (PPGA). Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Brazil

Julia Helale, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Escola de Gestão para Inovação e Liderança (GIL), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Undergraduate Student of the Business Administration Course. School of Management for Innovation and Leadership (GIL). Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Brazil

Ana Laura F. Visentini, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Research at the School of Business Administration. PhD Student - Graduate Program in Administration (PPGA). Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Brazil

Bibiana Wolkmer Martins, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração (PPGA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Professor at the School of Business Administration. Graduate Program in Administration (PPGA). Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Brazil

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