Triple Helix Framework Research Articles

Fostering innovation in small and medium enterprise (SME) clusters through triple helix interactions: Exploring the role of academia industry linkages

The Triple Helix Model is a framework for analysing linkages among three institutional spheres namely university, industry and government and their integration for creation and fostering a national innovation system. Academic institutions are central to triple helix interactions as shown by innovative clusters in both developed and developing economies. Clusters in dynamic Asian economies like Thailand, South Korea and Japan pivot around knowledge flows created by universities leading to innovations that can be used and commercialized. The contribution of academic institutions to innovation in a region or cluster can be quantified by analysing transactional relations which refers to business contacts such as commissions, contracts and agreements between the university and clients who use the research. The paper presents a strong case for crafting policies which enable forging of robust linkages between SME clusters and academic institutions within an overall triple helix framework, especially in developing economies such as India where SMEs contribute significantly to output, employment and exports. Qualitative in nature, this study is based on secondary research, drawing upon analysis from research papers, industy reports and magazine articles which explore triple helix interactions.

Sustainability as a co-created service: Integrating complex adaptive systems and service-dominant logic within the triple helix framework

Abstract This paper introduces a new conceptual framework that integrates Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory with Service-Dominant logic (S-D logic). The aim is to address sustainability as an emergent, co-created service within the Triple Helix model of businesses, governments, and universities. By linking the Sustainability Science systems-based approach with the Service Science focus on value co-creation, such framework offers a more comprehensive understanding of how sustainability can be operationalized through feedback loops and adaptive processes. Reinforcing and balancing feedback loops are highlighted as essential mechanisms that drive cognitive alignment among actors, ensuring that sustainability is achieved through continuous adaptation and collaboration. The paper also discusses the implications of such a framework for businesses, governments, universities, and policy design, emphasizing the importance of institutional flexibility, cross-sector collaboration, and the role of feedback-driven adaptability in the pursuit of long-term sustainability goals. Practical insights for fostering cognitive alignment and adaptive strategies in complex service ecosystems are provided, showcasing how the framework can inform sustainability strategies and innovation in practice.

Beyond GDP: A Triple Helix Framework for a Happiness Economy

Abstract Researchers in economics and other social sciences have long recognized the drawbacks of using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to gauge economic welfare and the potential hazards of macroeconomic policies to promote economic development. Since the early 1970s, alternative methods for policy-making have been created and supported, and many nations have developed frameworks for evaluating different dimensions of well-being and happiness to better understand people’s lives on an individual and societal level. This study is one of the first attempts to recognize nations that have shifted their focus from traditional economic measures like GDP to embrace the happiness or well-being economy model. It aims to identify the variables that will help build a happiness-based economy and develop strategies for nations to adopt a universal happiness framework. A triple-helix framework, including the government, international organizations, and academia was suggested to create strategies for the nations based on interviews with professionals. The research paves the way for further exploration and investigation in this field.

A framework of cross-system knowledge flow: based on the investigation of sociotechnical experiments in Japan

ABSTRACT Over the past four decades, the framework of the innovation system has undergone continuous refinement and concretization, establishing itself as an effective tool for analyzing institutional innovation. The Triple Helix framework provides a quantitative direction and dynamic perspective for studying the Regional Innovation System. Due to exchanges on the market, scholarly communication in knowledge production, and political discourse, scholars have proposed introducing additional dimensions to explain local-global knowledge flow [Leydesdorff, L. 2012. “The Triple Helix, Quadruple Helix, … , and an N-Tuple of Helices: Explanatory Models for Analyzing the Knowledge-Based Economy?” Journal of the Knowledge Economy 3 (1): 25–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-011-0049-4]. This study presents a cross-system framework between the Regional Innovation System and the National Innovation System based on an investigation of regional sociotechnical experiments conducted in Japan, which provides insights for extending the Triple Helix framework. Furthermore, we distinguish different patterns of knowledge flow and highlight the potential hubs played by the universities, multinational enterprises, and local governments, offering practical guidance for facilitating cross-system knowledge flow.

“ExpoImagina”: a triple helix framework for linking public universities towards social innovation

The Universidad de Guadalajara, as a public institution with 232 years of tradition, faces economic and political challenges that affect its academic and research development. Through the "ExpoImagina" event, it has promoted entrepreneurship, linking students with the private sector and municipal governments. Since its inception in 2018, the event has evolved, incorporating conferences, exhibitions and workshops that promote entrepreneurial talent. The collaboration between the university and the Ministry of Rural Development of Jalisco has allowed a significant impact, with thousands of visitors and remarkable economic growth. In addition, the workshops have facilitated the creation of networks between students and professionals, supporting the development of innovative ideas. In short, the university acts as a catalyst for entrepreneurship in the region, providing resources and knowledge that contribute to the well-being of the community.

Importance of Triple Helix in Building Knowledge Economy: A Systematic Literature Review

This paper is a systematic literature review that studies the use of Triple Helix model in constructing knowledge based economy through the interactions of academia, industry and government. The Triple Helix assumes that this knowledge transfer can be achieved via collaboration of these three sectors of society. We conducted a comprehensive database search using Google Scholar and Scopus, and screened and conducted the removal of 195 articles from the 290 obtained articles that may relate to our study. This review demonstrates that the Triple Helix model has developed into a theory of reference about the innovation ecosystems and regional economic development. Thus, the review delineates the significant contributions of universities, industries, and governments in the knowledge creation, transfer, and commercialization in response to the key contributions of each sector. In addition, the study recognizes emerging trends within the model including the adoption of new technologies, the participation of non-traditional actors such as startups, and heightened focus on sustainability and social impact when it comes to innovation processes. The review further emphasizes research on regional differences in implementing Triple Helix deployment at the level of smaller regions. These findings confirm that adaptation of the model will continue in order to meet global challenges today and into the future as this is desired for innovation systems to remain inclusive, sustainable, and responsible to societal needs. The contribution of this review to the literature is twofold: (1) it adds to the growing body of research on the Triple Helix framework; and (2) insights from this review can enable policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to search for ways to enhance innovation ecosystems and advance their efforts on building resilient knowledge economies. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/tjjpt.v45.i04.9229

Key determinants to supply chain resilience to face pandemic disruption: An interpretive triple helix framework.

Today, supply chain (SC) networks are facing more disruptions compared to the past. While disruptions are rare, they can have catastrophic long-term economic or societal repercussions, and the recovery processes can be lengthy. These can tremendously affect the SC and make it vulnerable, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The identification of these concerns has prompted the demand for improved disruption management by developing resilient, agile, and adaptive SC. The aim of this study is to introduce an assessment framework for prioritizing and evaluating the determinants to supply chain resilience (SCR). To analyze the empirical data, fuzzy criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (fuzzy CRITIC) and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) have been incorporated. Fuzzy CRITIC method was used to identify the critical determinants and fuzzy TOPSIS method was applied for determining relative ranking of some real-world companies. Finally, by developing propositions an interpretive triple helix framework was proposed to achieve SCR. This research stands out for its originality in both methodology and implications. By introducing the novel combination of Fuzzy CRITIC and Fuzzy TOPSIS in the assessment of determinants to SCR and applying these determinants with the help of interpretive triple helix framework to establish a resilient SC, this study offers a unique and valuable contribution to the field of SCR. The key findings suggest that 'Responsiveness' followed by 'Managerial coordination and information integration' are the most significant determinant to achieve SCR. The outcome of this work can assist the managers to achieve SCR with improved agility and adaptivity.

Triple Helix Dynamics and Hybrid Organizations: An Analysis of Value Creation Processes

The Triple Helix model, focusing on interactions among academia, industry, and government, has been an influential model for promoting innovation and regional development. However, limited research explores the model’s micro-level dynamics, alling for further investigation into its effectiveness. This study seeks to fill this gap by critically examining the micro-level dynamics of the Triple Helix model, with an emphasis on the roles played by a hybrid organization in the value creation process. Utilizing a case study approach, this research examines Robotdalen—a successful Swedish applied research initiative in robotics—to answer the research questions: How do value-creation activities within a Triple Helix model evolve and how do hybrid organizations facilitate and shape value creation throughout the development stages of an organization? The analysis contributes a fine-grained view of value creation and development over time in a large Triple Helix innovation initiative, highlighting the importance of hybrid organizations in facilitating collaboration and coordinating resources among stakeholders. The results identify critical factors such as collaboration, commercialization, innovation, and adaptation. This research contributes new theoretical insights and practical implications for leveraging hybrid organizations within the Triple Helix framework, thereby providing valuable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars engaged in crafting strategies to stimulate regional growth, innovation, and value creation in today’s dynamic global landscape.

Addressing the Kaizen business operations: the role of triple helix actors during COVID-19 outbreak

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate and clarify how the triple helix actors can effectively implement the concepts of Kaizen to navigate and overcome the complex obstacles brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThrough broad literature reviews, nine common parameters under triple helix actor have been recognized. A regression analysis has been done to study how the triple helix actors’ common parameters impact Kaizen implementation in business operations.FindingsThe results of this study revealed insightful patterns in the relationships between the common parameters of triple helix actor and the dependent variables. Notably, the results also showed that leadership commitment (LC) emerges as a very significant component, having a big impact on employee engagement as well as organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsIn addition to offering valuable insights, this study has limitations including the potential for response bias in survey data and the focus on a specific set of common parameters, which may not encompass the entirety of factors influencing Kaizen implementation within the triple helix framework during the pandemic.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its comprehensive exploration of the interplay between triple helix actors and Kaizen principles in addressing COVID-19 challenges. By identifying and analyzing nine specific common parameters, the study provides a novel framework for understanding how triple helix actors collaboratively enhance organizational performance and employee engagement during challenging times.

The duality of the influence of basic research and applied research on technology transfer performance: evidence from Chinese universities

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the question of how basic research and applied research independently and interdependently affect technology transfer performance. Using the data of 673 universities in mainland China over 2008-2017, we verify that basic and applied research are critical antecedents of university technology transfer. This study further explores whether the interdependent effect of these two types of research on technology transfer performance is synergistic or antagonistic, and finds empirical support for the antagonistic view. Additionally, university-industry connections and the diversity of disciplines are considered as heterogeneity factors that influence the effectiveness of reconciling the two types of research to enhance technology transfer performance. Our empirical results indicate that science parks can alleviate the antagonistic joint influence of basic and applied research on technology transfer performance. Inconsistent with our prediction, no significant disparities exist between comprehensive universities and non-comprehensive ones in this joint influence. This paper contributes to the literature on university technology transfer within the Triple Helix framework by sheding light on the pressures behind reconciling the excellence in basic research and the pursuit of practical application of research outputs during the process of advancing university technology transfer in the context of China.

ASSESS THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ENTITIES USING EXISTING ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL MODELS

This paper evaluates the financial performance of technology transfer entities (TTEs) by analyzing both economic and financial models. Traditional financial models, such as Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), provide insights into investment viability and risk management in TTEs. Economic models, like IS-LM and growth models, help understand the macroeconomic environment's influence on technological innovation. Specific models, such as the linear innovation model and the Triple Helix framework, emphasize the collaboration between academia, industry, and government in fostering innovation. The integration of real options analysis and venture capital methods further supports investment decisions in high-uncertainty technological projects. This approach helps TTEs optimize resource allocation and strategic investments, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Funding The Student Creativity Programs (PKM) In The Triple Helix For The Independence Of The Defense Industry

The urgency of funding student creativity programs within the Triple Helix framework to encourage the independence of the defense industry is a step forward in making economic progress, especially the defense industry. The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis method is used as a research framework to evaluate the internal and external factors that influence the success of the program. This research reveals that funding for student creativity programs has a significant urgency in strengthening the defense industry. Through collaboration between students, industry and the government, this program is able to generate innovation, research and development of new technologies that can increase the competitiveness of the defense industry. The SWOT analysis shows that the strengths of the student creativity program in Triple Helix include access to fresh and innovative student intellectual resources, the ability to combine academic knowledge with the needs of the defense industry, and the encouragement of collaboration and knowledge exchange between all parties involved. Weaknesses identified include a lack of adequate funding, challenges in integrating student activities into a complex industrial environment, and a lack of understanding of the long-term benefits of the program. However, the SWOT analysis also identified significant opportunities, such as the increasing need for innovation and new technologies in the defense industry, government support for collaborative programs involving students, and the potential to develop long-term partnerships between the defense industry and universities. The threats faced include intense global competition, the need for constant updating of defense technology, and the potential for gaps between academic knowledge and industry needs if there is not adequate collaboration. In order to realize the independence of the defense industry, this research recommends adequate funding for student creativity programs, provision of supporting infrastructure, increased collaboration between universities, industry and government, as well as the development of a long-term strategy to ensure the sustainability of this program.

English English

Social innovation (SI) aims at improving people’s life when technological or business innovations are not sufficient. However, the classic Triple Helix (TH) theory does not explicitly deal with SI, and relegates civil society to a passive role. This paper aims to analyze if SI requires an evolution of the TH framework. The methodology is a multi-case study based on SI projects and initiatives in the energy sector. The main findings are that citizens are involved in SI though to various extents: there are SI projects carried out “for” citizens, “with” citizens, and to a much lesser extent; “by” citizens. SI in the energy sector rely also on the commitment of the local government and the presence of social enterprises. Therefore, we suggest that a Quadruple Helix (QH) approach may be necessary for energy-related SI.

The Triple Helix Framework of Government Leadership for Regional Tourism Development

The potential of the tourism sector offers opportunities to increase the competitiveness of a region. This prospect lies in implementing the leadership framework of the Triple Helix government. This research aims to establish the correlation between tourism's latent potential and collaborative synergies between local government, industry stakeholders, and the academic community at universities, all in an effort to drive the evolution of the tourism sector. The focus of this research is on leadership and the real results that come from government, embodied in the Triple Helix policy. This study uses a qualitative method to assess and analyze the Triple Helix. This approach includes analysis of underlying causal factors, evaluation of results, and analysis of interactive models. The results of the study show that the leadership aspect in the context of the Triple Helix government framework has not yet reached its peak, especially in the tourism industry, including (a) increasing the value of superior products, (b) regional income, (c) employment, (d) providing a tourism platform that is recognized in education, (e) offering unique memorabilia, and (f) strengthening the brand identity of the designated Tourism Area. However, this effort shows a suboptimal level of performance due to several deficiencies, covering issues such as (a) formal and informal institutions, (b) the world of work, (c) the domain of production technology, (d) the paradigm of corporate governance ( management), (e) access to market outlets, and (f) infrastructure.

The Pathway towards Triple Helix

Abstract In 2015, the Ethiopian government established two Science and Technology (S&T) universities with the objective to boost university-industry collaboration. Although both Addis Ababa S&T University and Adama S&T University encourage such collaboration through their offices of technology transfer (OTT), their links with local industry are weak. However, current literature on triple helix in developing countries does not explain how universities can internally stimulate interaction with external actors. This paper addresses this gap by asking how the two universities evaluate the technology development process and how the current approach can be improved to stimulate triple helix interactions. Insights from organizational control theory (OCT) and the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model are integrated into the triple helix framework in a qualitative case study design. Our findings indicate the existing approach combines outcome- and behavior-based evaluation, which constrains engagement with the industry. We recommend that a more comprehensive, people-based evaluation system, built around shared goals and involvement of industry as external stakeholders, is adopted as a pathway to triple helix.

The pursuit of methodological harmonization within the holistic sustainability assessment of CCU projects: A history and critical review

Environmental sustainability assessments have been conducted around consumer goods since the 1960's, these adopted comparative approaches and followed no accepted methodology. As sustainability assessment rose to prominence, methodological standardization was universally called for. Furthermore, two additional “strands” of sustainability emerged, economic and societal; forming what has recently been termed the “triple helix”. Efforts have been made across the CCU (carbon capture and utilization) community to align, or “harmonize”, the respective assessment formats. Ultimately, targeting enhanced understanding of the interconnections and trade-offs between the three strands, and communication of findings to both industry and policymakers. This review examines key methodologies presented in the field. These were collated through targeted literature searches, focussing on standalone, CCU specific, and harmonized methodologies. Relevant guidance originates with ISO's 2007 standards and terminates in McCord et al's (2021) “triple helix framework”. Other key works reviewed include UNEP / SETAC's S-LCA (social life cycle assessment) guidelines, and GCIs (Global CO2Initiative) integrated LCA and TEA (techno-economic assessment) guidelines. Analysis of the identified methodologies first considers each assessment strand in isolation, subsequently evaluating efforts toward their CDU specific harmonization and integration. Using the collated primary and secondary literature, a taxonomy of assessment methodologies leading to the triple helix framework is produced. Key methodological difficulties and divergent schools of thought are discussed, notably the prescription of system boundaries, impact indicators, and characterization methods. The overarching conclusion of the review is that while a robust combined LCA and TEA assessment methodology has been attained, holistic approaches incorporating social sustainability are still lacking; with substantial problems remaining unsolved. A majority of these originate from SIA's immaturity relative to LCA and TEA, causing issues around data availability and handling methods; exacerbated by the presence of qualitative data. Until a greater degree of maturity is achieved, SIA should be utilized within holistic assessments as a screening tool, determining the suitability of a process or system for more granular assessment.

Emerging Role of Universities in Collective Impact Initiatives for Business and Community Benefit: the Tripple Helix Model

Universities are increasing their efforts to more clearly demonstrate their social value. For instance, Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff (2011) argue that the Triple Helix framework argues that three types of institutions, universities, industries, and the government, play crucial roles in the innovation process of a knowledge-based economy. This paper illustrates how Universities can incorporate collective impact partnerships in their community benefit strategies for both business and government. Further, the paper explores the Tripple Helix Model for community/business, government benefit. The study has analysed the economic and social benefits of knowledge and skills from competencies acquired from university education which is a critical source for transforming society – which can foster discussions on significant planning areas that are necessary for developing strategies for completion, where job creation, developing skills, cultivating informed citizenship, and disseminating knowledge are core concerns. The purpose of this discourse is to examine the impacts of universities on economic development and social responsibilities at all aspects, including social and economic benefits that can lead to improvement of living standards of individuals and society. The paper, however, looks at literature that is pertinent to the usefulness of universities in relation to transformation of individual and society/business. University education is a determinant of income and one of the most important investments a country should choose to make in its citizens because it provides workforce with professions, technical, and managerial skills – creating attitudes and changes necessary for the socialization, modernization, and the overall transformation of the societies.

University Science Parks as an Innovative Tool for University-Business Cooperation

Collaboration between universities, business and government is important in creating innovation, but often they face barriers which block the successful cooperation among institutional spheres. To improve and strengthen collaboration and overcome existing barriers were created hybrid organizations (like university science parks, research centres or incubators) to address innovation blockages. With the growing popularity of this tool among regional policy makers, there is a need to specify their roles and functions in regional innovation systems. The main goal of our paper is to examine the contribution of university science parks and research centres in Slovakia, which were built thanks to financial support from European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). University science parks (USPs) and research centres (RCs) are tools for connecting the university, industry and government sector in a Triple helix framework. They create a suitable space for generating innovation with existing resources at universities, research institutes, research departments of companies and governments, and improve them through mutual interactions. We applied the method of quantitative research – an online questionnaire survey complemented with interviews, which we used to collect basic data on all science parks in Slovakia. The key question in the article is whether research infrastructures represent effective investment with long-term sustainability. We evaluated the current functioning of the parks in terms of fulfilling the functions that contribute to innovation creation, because quality and modern infrastructure is a prerequisite for the implementation of research, the results of which have a high development and innovation potential. We found that the research infrastructure doesn’t perform the required functions, which were declared during their creation. The main barriers to development include insufficient funding for research, technological infrastructure and long-term financing of professional staff. Unclear conditions for the continued operation of parks and uncertain position of government support shows that these investment projects financed by the European Funds are not independently viable after the end of the sustainability period.

Synergy of educational institutions, industry, and government in the absorption of workforce of vocational high school graduates in Kendal industrial park, Kendal regency

Abstract This study is carried out to synergize academics, entrepreneurs, and government both central and regional, as it is expected to contribute to the decrease of unemployment rate in Central Java. This study is conducted in Kendal Special Economic Zone in Kendal Industrial Park (KIP) using the collaboration of the three actors with Triple Helix that is considered able to increase creativity, ideas, and skills. In this study, triple helix is used as an analytical knife to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers.This study aims to describe and analyze the role of Triple Helix in increasing skills and competence of the society in fulfilling labor qualification required by the KIP as well as the synergy of educational institutions, industry, and the government in decreasing the number of employment of vocational high school graduates in Kendal Regency. The method used in this study is qualitative approach. The location or research object is in Kendal Industrial Park in Jalan Raya Arteri KM. 19, Brangsong, Kendal Regency, Central Java, 51371. The results of this study explain that the interaction between industry and academics gives rise to the exploratory innovation capabilities of the company with the Triple Helix framework. In Triple Helix I (static regime), it shows that the government of Kendal Regency plays the main role in regulating university and industry. In Triple Helix II (laissez-faire regime), Kendal Industrial Park becomes the driver for university and government. In Triple Helix III (trilateral-hybrid organization), the university become the active actors in the cooperative relationship between government and industry in a balanced interaction model. From this results, it can be concluded that the Triple Helix synergy enable the increase of the absorption of vocational high school graduates from Kendal Regency in Kendal Industrial Area.It occurs with the cooperation between university and industry, along with the mentoring in Kendal Industrial Park using “SCORE” training. Besides, cooperation between the government and university also occur with human capital training and development for vocational high school graduates, which include improvement culture, work planning problem solving, cost control system development, and self-development program. Cooperation between government, university, and industry result in a digital-based application development called “Si Lamar”, which brings job seekers and industry together. This will ease vocational high school graduates to find suitable job, and help industry to carry out the recruitment process

A triple helix framework for strategy development in circular textile and clothing supply chain: an Indian perspective

A triple helix framework for strategy development in circular textile and clothing supply chain: an Indian perspective