PORTO ALEGRE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM: PROMOTING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION IN SCHOOLS AS A MEANS OF INCLUSION. 

Culture of innovation; Innovation Ecosystem; Quadruple Helix; Education for Innovation; Inclusion. 

Innovation represents one of the main vectors of contemporary dynamics, influencing competitiveness and articulation between institutions, in a way that directly impacts the scenario of economic, political and social development at different scales. One of the pillars capable of directing such development is the dissemination of the culture of innovation. Supported by a Schumpeterian and Neoschimpeterian theoretical approach, in relation to the concept of innovation; this study will analyze the structural components of an innovation ecosystem, the Triple Helix innovation models, with emphasis on the Quadruple Helix, with a look at the role of society. As well as how the innovation ecosystem materializes in the rapidly developing city of Porto Alegre/RS, the initiatives that are underway, and public policies that aim at the interaction of those involved with the helix represented by society and ways to increase their participation and engagement, in addition to promoting inclusion. It is argued that the active participation of young people, through the school environment, especially in high school, can act as a connection between society and other agents in the ecosystem, as well as a strategic vector for inclusion, by disseminating the Culture of Innovation and strengthening the social helix, developing skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and solving complex problems. It is proposed to develop and implement an educational game – The Innovation Trail – as a means of guiding an innovative mindset, to internalize concepts of innovation, vision of the future, entrepreneurship and intellectual property in the school context. It is expected to strengthen the social helix by positioning the school as an orchestrating actor, producing recommendations for educational policies focused on inclusive innovation, capable of overcoming barriers.