Triple Helix Actors Research Articles

The Role of Triple Helix Actors for Agro-Tourism Development in West Sumatera

Agricultural sector as a main contributor to GDP formation in West Sumatera is required to be able to diversify its business in order to highest achieving economic and social development. One diversified agricultural business prospective to be developed is agro-tourism. The development of agro-tourism requires collaboration and synergy between academician, businessman and government as known as triple helix actors. This study is designed with aim to (i) map the agro-tourism potential in west Sumatera; (ii) analyze the role of each actors, so they may take action in accelerating Agro-tourism development. This research uses observation, depth interview method, literature study and focus group discussion. The result shows that agro-tourism in West Sumatra is more prominent of great natural and cultural value, small scale and lack of local facilities. It also requires relatively high level of investment relative to its return. Therefore government support is likely an essential element of agro-tourism development and the effort may be better directed toward consolidating with intellectual and business also.

Innovation for inclusive development, public policy support and triple helix: perspectives from BRICS

This paper investigates the role of innovation in (inclusive) development – subsequently referred to as innovation for inclusive development (IID) and the links to public policy in BRICS (Brazil, Russia India, China and South Africa) countries. To achieve this aim, the authors examine the roles played by Triple Helix actors (THA), namely university, industry and government in IID activities across BRICS countries, drawing on the national systems of innovation (NSI) framework. The findings indicate that: (1) significant gaps exist in literature useful in advancing our knowledge of innovation as a mechanism for inclusive development; (2) BRICS countries focus, mostly, on innovation in the broad sense, with less attention paid to IID, the essence of this paper. One reason for this gap may lie in the inability to conceptualize and theorize innovation as a mechanism for including the wider society in socio-economic and development activities, or the lack of appreciation of the potential roles that innovation can play in development; (3) there is absence of specific public policies and policy support for IID in BRICS; and, (4) paucity of empirical evidence needed to critically analyse and explain the roles that THA in BRICS play in innovation ecosystems.

A connectivity model as a potential tool for smart specialization strategies

ABSTRACTThe article contributes to the smart specialization literature by presenting a new approach, connectivity analysis, where Triple Helix (TH) relations (involving universities, companies and government) are at the centre of the entrepreneurial discovery process. Relations between helices may be seen, from the point of departure of proximity, as preconditions of connectivity, or interaction, measured through expectations and experiences. This offers potential solution to two limitations of proximity approach: its static nature and narrow focus on dyadic relationships. The connectivity analysis reveals the extent of mutual expectations, as well as tensions, or gaps. Based on this analysis, the article presents a policy model that is used to map structures of networks and gaps between TH actors. It may also identify strengths, weaknesses and problems. This analysis is used as input to structured dialogues between actors in leading positions in the TH and in smart specialization policy-making and implementation. This approach may lead to policy interventions supporting entrepreneurial discoveries. The model has been developed in partnership with researchers and the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia. The article also presents this case study and demonstrates the use of the connectivity model in practice.

Living Labs as boundary-spanners between Triple Helix actors

Living labs are an increasingly popular methodology to enhance innovation. Living labs aim to span boundaries between different organizations, among others Triple helix actors, by acting as a network organization typically in a real-life environment to foster co-creation by user-groups. This paper presents critical factors of Living labs in boundary-spanning between Triple Helix actors. Derived from a mixed-method approach and applications in the healthcare sector, the three main critical factors turn out to be 1) an adequate user-group selection and involvement, specifically a rich interaction and absorption of its results, 2) a balanced involvement of all relevant actors, and 3) a sufficient (early) attention for values, both values of user-groups and values of the management. People-oriented Living labs tend to differ from institution-oriented Living labs regarding these critical factors. Further, universities tend to take on diverse roles and strength of involvement, while the business sector tends to be actively involved only if this has been set as an explicit aim at start. The paper closes with a summary and future research paths.

Hidden mediator roles of university spin-offs in Triple Helix networks

University spin-off firms contribute to bringing knowledge created at university to market. The networks these firms employ with other Triple Helix actors serve as not only getting access to resources but also shaping processes of collective learning in transforming the knowledge most adequately. In addition, spin-offs may affect the networks and behavior of network participants. While the first role has received large attention, collective learning and transforming networks and network partners have not. The paper addresses a key requirement in this setting, namely diversity in networks. We use a database of 105 young university spin-off firms and measure the socio-economic networks. A share of around 25 to 35 % of the firms tends to have an important potential mediator role, as they employ three to five different partners, connect with large firms as well as governments (outside the university), and have inserted a majority of strangers (outsiders) in their network. In the next step, to better understand partner diversity, we assess a simplified model. The level of innovativeness is found to be an important driver of diversity, with pre-start working experience (domains) and multidisciplinary education as important enabling factors. In exploring actual mediator roles using two case studies, we observe that Triple Helix actors are most diverse and tightly connected in testing activities in practice (pilots) enabling transformation of networks and network partners. The paper concludes with a summary, policy relevance, and future research paths.

Complex regional innovation networks and HEI engagement - the case of Chicago

This article considers how HEIs engage within local complex development networks in order to develop the urban metropolis, using the case of Chicago as a specific example. The data utilised in the study are based on document analysis and interviews with some 40 representatives of organisations within the Chicago metropolitan area, including regional HEIs. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken in order to determine core themes and discourses, and to build a logical chain of evidence to formulate our conclusions, which offer new thinking about the regional engagement role of HEIs within complex innovation systems. Our focus of analysis was the extent to which an adaptive and creative co-operation network of local triple helix actors had been created. Our study shows that creativity, the sharing of information, and acting and learning together are critical success factors in city development, and in particular in capitalising in the knowledge held by HEIs.

Effect of international collaboration on knowledge flow within an innovation system: a Triple Helix approach

Research papers that studied the Triple Helix in relation to international co-authorship considered international collaboration as the fourth element of the system. This paper suggests considering three levels of study to assess the effect of international collaboration on an innovation system: the domestic one, the foreign one and the global one. The mutual information and the transmission power are used as indicators. Bibliographic data of South Korea and the West African region for a 10-year period (2001–2010) were downloaded and imported to a bibliographic software application. Searches are run to determine the Triple Helix actors and their bi- or trilateral collaboration contributions per considered area, year and level. Then, the mutual information and the transmission power were computed. Results show that at the domestic level, the South Korean innovation system is more integrated, whereas the West African one is less integrated than that of their partners. Results also show that international collaboration has strengthened knowledge sharing at the domestic level for both South Korea and West Africa, but to a different extent; in other words, the two areas have benefited from international collaboration in terms of knowledge flow.

Role of intermediaries in accelerating the transformation of inter-firm networks into Triple Helix networks : a case study of SME-based industries in Thailand

This paper explores the roles innovation intermediaries play in stimulating triple helix networks in Thai SMEs. Typically, knowledge networks can be classified into three forms: vertical value chain; horizontal/industrial chain; and diagonal/triple helix networks. The first two inter-firm networks evolve into triple helix network upon policy intervention via intermediaries. Intermediaries play sponsoring role at policy level by channeling resources to industry; brokering role at strategic level by linking triple helix actors; and boundary spanning role at operational level by providing services that facilitate knowledge circulation. Data were collected from the ceramic and furniture industries to test the significance of the ways the triple helix process is intermediated. The sponsoring role of intermediaries is found to be crucial for promoting the development of triple helix network in the case of these industries. The experiences of the two cases further suggest that market-led intermediaries would be more effective in promoting triple helix network development than government-funded intermediaries.

At the frontiers of scientific advancement: the factors that influence scientists to become or choose to become publicly funded principal investigators

This paper aims to unearth the factors that influence scientists in becoming and choosing to become publicly funded principal investigators (PIs). PIs are the linchpins of knowledge transformation and bridging triple helix actors, particularly academia-industry. At a micro level, PIs are at the nexus of engaging and interacting with other triple helix actors. No study to date has specifically focused on the factors that influence scientists to become or choose to become publicly funded PIs. For scientists taking on the role of a PI represents an important landmark in their research career. Set in an Irish research system we found two main categories of influencing factors—push and pull. Pull factors are where the PI has more choice in choosing to become a PI, where as push factors is where the PI has less choice in choosing to become a PI. Pull factors we identified were control, career ambition and advancement, personal drive and ambition. Pull factors we identified were project dependencies and institutional pressures.

The evolution of South Korea’s innovation system: moving towards the triple helix model?

The South Korea's innovation system has been transformed in tandem with rapid economic growth over the last three decades. In order to explore the evolution process of the innovation system in Korea, this study examines the trends and patterns in collaboration activities among the triple helix actors, such as university, industry, and government (UIG), using co-patent data. The triple helix framework is employed to analyze innovation dynamics within the networks of the bi- and trilateral relations embedded in patent collaborations. The analyses focus on how the triple helix dynamics have been shaped and transformed in the course of development of the innovation system. The results reveal that collaboration activities among UIG largely increased across three developmental phases from 1980 to 2012. In the early periods, strategic R&D alliances between industry and government sector were set up to strengthen enterprises' innovation capabilities. When the Korean large conglomerates, Chaebols, became a dominant driver of domestic innovation activities, the primary agents of the collaborations shifted from industry-government to industry-university. The network analysis shows that university-industry collaboration is the strongest within the triple helix in recent years, followed by industry-government relations and then UIG relations. The tripartite collaboration has emerged with the rise of entrepreneur universities, but its network has rather been weak and inactive. While Korea has experienced a transition from statist model to a triple helix, the full-fledged triple helix model has not been established yet.

Success Factors in Cluster Initiative Management

Cluster development is prioritized in policy programmes as a means to facilitate regional growth and job creation. Triple Helix actors are often involved in so-called cluster initiatives – intermediary organizations having the objective of the development of a local or regional cluster. This paper maps out the ‘big five’ qualitative success factors in cluster initiative management: the idea; driving forces and commitment; activities; critical mass; and organization. The proposed framework enables the assessment of performance and sustainability over time, useful for both everyday management operations and policy programmes designed to support cluster initiatives.

АНАЛИЗ РОЛЕЙ УЧАСТНИКОВ «ТРОЙНОЙ СПИРАЛИ» В ИННОВАЦИОННОМ РАЗВИТИИ РЕГИОНА

АНАЛИЗ РОЛЕЙ УЧАСТНИКОВ «ТРОЙНОЙ СПИРАЛИ» В ИННОВАЦИОННОМ РАЗВИТИИ РЕГИОНА

Triple Helix Systems: An Analytical Framework for Innovation Policy and Practice in the Knowledge Society

This paper introduces the concept of Triple Helix systems as an analytical construct that synthesizes the key features of university–industry–government (Triple Helix) interactions into an ‘innovation system’ format, defined according to systems theory as a set of components, relationships and functions. Among the components of Triple Helix systems, a distinction is made between (a) R&D and non-R&D innovators; (b) ‘single-sphere’ and ‘multi-sphere’ (hybrid) institutions; and (c) individual and institutional innovators. The relationships between components are synthesized into five main types: technology transfer; collaboration and conflict moderation; collaborative leadership; substitution; and networking. The overall function of Triple Helix systems – knowledge and innovation generation, diffusion and use – is realized through a set of activities in the knowledge, innovation and consensus spaces. This perspective provides an explicit framework for the systemic interaction between Triple Helix actors that was previously lacking, and a more fine-grained view of the circulation of knowledge flows and resources within and among the spaces, helping to identify existing blockages or gaps. From a Triple Helix systems perspective, the articulation and the non-linear interactions between the spaces can generate new combinations of knowledge and resources that can advance innovation theory and practice, especially at the regional level.

The role of innovation intermediaries in promoting the triple helix system in MNC-dominated industries in Thailand: the case of hard disk drive and automotive sectors

This article looks into the roles innovation intermediaries play to enhance triple helix-based innovation in Thailand from the vantage point of two multinational-dominated industries, namely, the hard disk drive and automotive industries. Innovation intermediaries generally play three important roles: a sponsoring role of making and transmitting policy across all triple helix actors; a brokering role of connecting triple helix actors at strategic levels; and a boundary-spanning role of providing technical services to all triple helix actors. Comparison of the two case studies showed the sponsoring role intermediary organizations play to be crucial for the respective industries for them to be able to engage in triple helix relationship.

The important role of civil society groups in eco‐innovation: a triple helix perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss, theoretically and practically, the role of civil society groups in eco‐innovation.Design/methodology/approachStarting from a discussion on the emergence of “triple helix twins”, “quadruple helix” and “N‐tuple helices”, this paper discusses the role of civil society groups in eco‐innovation by addressing the following research questions: Why is it necessary to stress that civil society groups are as important as university, industry and government in eco‐innovation? What inspiration can “triple helix twins” and “quadruple helix” provide when arguing for a fourth actor of civil society groups in eco‐innovation? How are civil society groups affecting eco‐innovation practice and what does it tell us about the relation between civil society groups and the triple helix actors? In addressing the “How” question the authors draw on examples of eco‐innovation activities in Denmark and China.FindingsTheoretically, the authors find that eco‐innovation has peculiarities of “intents toward environmental benefits”, “double externality problem” and “regulatory push/pull”. These peculiarities call for an explicit focus on civil society groups in eco‐innovation studies. Practically, eco‐innovation practices from Danish and Chinese companies show that: non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important role as external expert knowledge providers, mediators and supporters of green business; the practices of the Danish case company indicate that civil society groups are not only foundations for developing innovation – they can be actors themselves; the existence of semi‐governmental organizations in the Chinese case company, which is categorized under the concept of NGOs, shows the limitations of the concept of civil society groups in exposing important actors and indicates the importance of analysing “mixed” organizations representing by linkages between the four actors.Social implicationsThe peculiarities of eco‐innovation indicate that eco‐innovation policy and strategy making should take civil society groups into consideration, as they are helpful not only to provide pressure and push industry onto a green track, but also as supporters and carriers of green business. Corporate social responsibility is proposed as a stepping‐stone to engage civil society groups in broader eco‐innovation activity.Originality/valueThe paper starts an important and novel discussion on the importance of worldwide acceptance of civil society groups as important actors in eco‐innovation.

Mode 3: A Proposed Classification Scheme for the Knowledge Economy and Society

The purpose of this paper is to develop a classification scheme for the knowledge economy and society. By using Mode 3 and the quadruple helix theories, this paper models enterprise instances of networking among academia, government, industry, and civil society, all of whom are actors in the quadruple helix. The networking factors are found in the dynamics among the actors, ranging from regional to global levels. In particular, the emphasis of this paper is to understand the attributes of Mode 3 and its frontiers in order to later develop a predictive model of innovation success. We researched three regions, Maryland and the European Union countries of Portugal and Greece along with two support models, incubators, and a science park, as these areas exhibit Mode 3 regional innovation factors and allowed us to develop and test the proposed classification scheme. Our findings are that most companies operating within a regional innovation network are functioning at the Mode 2 level. This is significant as it assisted us with soundly classifying firms who were operating in the realm of Mode 2 and helped us understand the frontiers of Mode 3. Additionally, we discovered three instances of Mode 3 that engaged the traditional triple helix actors with the addition of a virtual civil society, which is the foundation for the quadruple helix.

The Proximity between Academy, Industry and Government: Towards a More Sustainable Development of a Brazilian Oil Region

Collaboration between actors of Triple Helix can be identified as the basis for the development of main regions of innovation around the world. The model of interaction between Government, Academia and Industry is facing challenges for a better and greater transfer of knowledge, technology and innovation from universities to society and business. This article discusses the interactions of the Triple Helix actors for the technological development of oil and gas industry in Brazil. The study presents the current state of Triple Helix interactions in the sector and discusses the impact of physical and managerial distance between the institutions. We conclude by stating that current efforts to develop a “Triple Helix Region” must go beyond the goals of increasing technology to local industry. A long-term sustainable strategy must also be developed.

Role of Intermediaries in Accelerating the Transformation of Inter-Firm Networks into Triple Helix Networks: A Case Study of SME-based Industries in Thailand

This paper explores the roles innovation intermediaries play in stimulating triple helix networks in Thai SMEs. Typically, knowledge networks can be classified into three forms: vertical value chain; horizontal/industrial chain; and diagonal/triple helix networks. The first two inter-firm networks evolve into triple helix network upon policy intervention via intermediaries. Intermediaries play sponsoring role at policy level by channeling resources to industry; brokering role at strategic level by linking triple helix actors; and boundary spanning role at operational level by providing services that facilitate knowledge circulation. Data were collected from the ceramic and furniture industries to test the significance of the ways the triple helix process is intermediated. The sponsoring role of intermediaries is found to be crucial for promoting the development of triple helix network in the case of these industries. The experiences of the two cases further suggest that market-led intermediaries would be more effective in promoting triple helix network development than government-funded intermediaries.

Reframing the multilevel triple helix in a regional innovation system: a case of systemic foresight and regimes in renewal of Skåne's food industry

Most findings on the triple helix system derive from studies based on high-tech sectors, and seldom so on traditional industries. A foresight exercise aimed at renewal of the mature food industry in the Skåne region in southern Sweden was conducted in 2006–2007. The findings suggest that a multilevel triple helix policy ought to be used in a systemic way from a bottom up perspective, including companies as well as other triple helix actors throughout the value chain. Further, the findings underscore the importance of the role intermediaries play enhancing the integrative abilities of actors in the regional food system. Cultural analysis is used to elicit a deeper understanding of the different regimes that influence the actors. This is consistent with the observation highlighted in this article that the actors in the food system bear values arising from a time when the Swedish food system catered for national self-sufficiency under a regime of limited market competition.

The new visible hand: an assisted linear model of science and innovation policy

Science-based innovation is realized through a triple helix of university-industry-government relations. Interaction among triple helix actors in the prototypical high-tech regions, Route 128 and Silicon Valley, led to creation of the venture capital firm, science park and technology transfer office. These organizational mechanisms constitute an ‘assisted linear model’ for translation of research results with commercial potential into use either in existing firms or start-ups. Although visible end products such as science parks attracted early attention, second-mover regions have gained a sophisticated awareness of the efficacy of linking research and transfer in embedded projects as an objective of innovation policy. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.