DEVELOPMENT OF A PENTAHELIXIC AQUACULTURE MODEL: A STUDY OF STUDENTS' PARENTS' BUSINESS UNITS

Abstract

The development of small-scale aquaculture enterprises continues to face various challenges in technical, managerial, institutional, and marketing aspects. The Pentahelix model, which involves collaboration among academia, industry, government and financial institutions, associations, and media, has the potential to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of this sector. This study analyzes the conditions of aquaculture enterprises owned by students’ parents and formulates development strategies based on the Pentahelix model. The research employs a descriptive survey method involving 41 aquaculture enterprises, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Pentahelix actors, and SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and strategic directions for development. The results show that most enterprises operate on a small scale with limited production and income, are members of fish farmer groups, rely on traditional technologies, and market their products through intermediaries and traditional markets. Technical, managerial, institutional, and marketing challenges require collaborative interventions through the Pentahelix approach. The Pentahelix actors assess that these enterprises possess considerable development potential. The SWOT analysis identifies strengths in farmers’ experience and land availability, weaknesses in management and technology, opportunities in inter-actor synergy and market access expansion, and threats from price fluctuations and limited capital. The proposed development strategies emphasize improving technological innovation, business management, institutional strengthening, and optimizing Pentahelix networks to expand market and financial access. Therefore, the integrated implementation of the Pentahelix model can enhance technical, managerial, and marketing capacities, thereby strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability, and generational continuity of small-scale aquaculture enterprises owned by students’ parents.