Triple Helix System Research Articles

The ‘third mission’ and ‘triple helix mission’ of universities as evolutionary processes in the development of the network of knowledge production: Reflections on SME experiences in Thailand

This paper explores the 'third mission' and 'triple helix mission' of universities in Thailand. These functions of universities are often conflated, whereas conceptually they represent separate stages in the evolution of the sphere of knowledge production. The ‘third mission’ concept is presented as the antecedent to the 'triple helix mission', and involves relationships between institutional spheres, with the boundaries clearly delineated. In the 'triple helix system', institutional spheres converge and boundaries are blurred. The transition from the 'third mission' to the ‘triple helix system’—and the subsequent emergence of entrepreneurial universities—is expedited by the intervention of intermediary organisations that span boundaries and broker between institutional spheres to promote knowledge exchange. Analysis of experience in Thailand shows that the transition from the third mission' to the 'triple helix system' has been constrained by limited networking experience and weak social capital among the actors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

INNOVATION PRODUCTION MODELS

The article is dedicated to the study of the models of production of innovations at enterprise and state levels. The shift towards a new technology wave induces a change in systems of division of labour as well as establishment of new forms of cooperation that are reflected both in theory and practice of innovation policy and management. Within the scope of the research question we have studied different generation of innovation process, starting with simple linear models - "technology push" and "market pull" - and ending with a complex integrated model of open innovations. There are two organizational models of innovation production at the enterprise level: start-ups in the early stages of their development and ambidextrous organizations. The former are prone to linear models of innovation process, while the latter create innovation within more sophisticated inclusive processes. Companies that effectuate reciprocal ambidexterity stand out from all the rest, since together with start-ups, research and development centres, elements of innovation infrastructure and other economic agents operating in the same value chain they constitute the core of most advanced forms of national innovation systems, namely Triple Helix and Quadruple Helix systems. National innovation systems - models of innovation production at the state level - evolve into systems with a more profound division of labour that enable "line production" of innovations. These tendencies are closely related to the advent and development of the concept of serial entrepreneurship that transforms entrepreneurship into a new type of profession. International experience proves this concept to be efficient in various parts of the world. Nevertheless, the use of above mentioned models and concepts in national innovation system should be justified by socioeconomic conditions of economic regions, since they determine the efficiency of implementation of certain innovation processes and organizational designs at company and national system level.

The innovation incubator, university business incubator and technology transfer strategy: The case of Thailand

This study reviews the role of the innovation incubator and university business incubator (UBI) in supporting the entrepreneurial development in Thailand. The university business incubator (UBI) is defined in this paper as an incubator set up by the university to provide office space, equipment, mentoring services as well as other administrative supports to assist the formation of new ventures). In particular, the paper compares the operation of the university business incubators (UBIs) and technology incubators to understand their technology transfer strategies. The analyses, based on the Triple Helix model, also include the government policies to support innovation commercialization in Thailand. The study examines case studies of leading university business incubators (UBIs) (Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi) and science and technology incubators of the National Science and Technology Agency (NSTDA) and the National Innovation Agency (NIA). The results have shown that the incubation program is one of the major policy mechanisms to support innovation and suggested that UBIs should act as an intermediary between the spheres of university and industry to provide interactive linkages and promote effective utilization of university research. The empirical study provides insightful implications on the move towards the entrepreneurial university and the dynamics of the Triple Helix system in stimulating innovation development and diffusion.

Open Innovation, Triple Helix and Regional Innovation Systems

Through the lens of UK CATAPULT Centres this conceptual paper presents an examination of the links between open innovation, the Triple Helix model and regional innovation systems. Highlighting the importance of boundary-spanning intermediaries, the combined role of these concepts is explored in detail. A conceptual model is then proposed which shows how the Triple Helix model of innovation occurs within regional innovation systems, and how it is underpinned by open innovation principles. Finally, areas requiring further research are discussed, with a call for further emphasis on and exploration of the overlapping nature of the concepts.

The Efficiency of Triple-Helix Relations in Innovation Systems: Measuring the Connection between a Countryys Net Income and its Knowledge Base

We apply the Method of Reflections developed by Hidalgo and Hausmann for measuring economic complexity to a Triple Helix system of innovations by defining the Patent Complexity Index in analogy and addition to the Economic Complexity Index and extending MR to three dimensions. PCI is operationalized in terms of patent groups instead of product groups. PCI and ECI are computed for three groups of countries. We find no correlation between economic complexity and technological complexity which means that the two measures capture different information. Adding the third dimension of governance to the Method of Reflections, one can incorporate knowledge dimension in Hidalgo and Hausmann defined ECI and use MR for evaluation the efficiency of Triple-Helix system of innovations. The Method of Reflections can thus be used for evaluating the efficiency of a TH system of innovations in terms of its contribution to the net national income.

Is the future a political economy? Functional analysis of three leading foresight and futures studies journals

This article tests whether the field of foresight and futures studies shows significant variable selection biases in the modelling of the future in general and the impact of function systems in particular. We performed a word frequency analysis to measure the relative importance of the political system, the economy, science, art, religion, law, sport, health, education, and the mass media to three pertinent journals in the field of futures studies and foresight. The results show that Futures, Long Range Planning, and Technological Forecasting and Social Change have different and changing preferences for the above function systems, an information which authors may find helpful in supporting decisions on where to submit. Our results also show that all journals feature a highly significant bias to the triple helix systems – the political system, the economy, and science. While the latter bias may be adequate to scientific journals, the dominant focus on the political system and the economy as well as the corresponding neglect of the other systems points at implicit presumptions about the importance of the individual systems that may not be in line with their importance to the larger society.

Structural holes, knowledge intermediaries and evolution of the triple helix system with reference to the hard disk drive industry in Thailand

Abstract This article explores the evolutionary process underlying the development of the triple helix innovation system and the role of knowledge intermediaries in the process. It draws on the experience of knowledge network development in an SME cluster in the Thai hard disk drive industry. Conceptually, the evolutionary process starts with inter-firm networks, which occur in the form of supply chain-based vertical links and trade association or cluster-based horizontal links. These evolve into triple helix networks and culminate into the triple helix innovation system through the agency of network dynamics. Intermediaries enhance network development as sponsors, providing funds; as brokers, closing and bridging structural holes that disconnect network players; and as boundary spanners, facilitating knowledge circulation. The case study suggests that knowledge network development in Thailand has a long way to go before morphing into the triple helix innovation system. Some evidence of network dynamics was nonetheless detected; but for lack of trust in the triple helix culture the fledgling network dynamics fizzled out when the government prop, which initiated the process, was withdrawn. The article concludes by highlighting the need for policy to promote the culture of trust among network players and for knowledge intermediaries to be robustly systemic in their organization and operation.

Incubator policy to support entrepreneurial development, technology transfer and commercialization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the incubator policy to support entrepreneurial development. In particular, the study reviews the incubation programs and strategies of technology transfer and commercialization as well as the innovation policies to support innovation commercialization in Thailand, based on the Triple Helix model. Design/methodology/approach – This study employs the use of case study methodology to understand in-depth the operations of major university business incubators (UBIs) and technology business incubators in enhancing the process of technology commercialization. The study examines case studies of leading UBIs (Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi) and science and technology incubators of the National Science and Technology Agency (NSTDA) and the National Innovation Agency (NIA). The operations and incubating policies are analyzed through the lens of Triple Helix model. The interviews were carried out using the semi-structured questionnaire to understand the views of trilateral parties (the government, university and industry) related to the concept of Triple Helix model. The interviews were carried out with major stakeholders including policy makers, policy analysts, government officials, managers running incubators, incubates, university professors, research managers. Interview data were supported by an examination of secondary data so as to provide a cross check on internal validity. Findings – The results have shown that the incubation program is one of the major policy mechanisms to support innovation and suggested that UBIs should act as an intermediary between the spheres of university and industry to provide interactive linkages and promote effective utilization of university research. The empirical study provides insightful implications on the move toward the entrepreneurial university and the dynamics of the Triple Helix system in stimulating innovation development and diffusion. Originality/value – By focussing on the major UBIs and technology business incubators in one of the Asian Tigers – Thailand, the study offers the model of university technology commercialization which could be applied to other developing economies. The study provides useful lessons and insights on the process of technology transfer and commercialization through the university incubation mechanism (university technology commercialization).

A Triple Helix systems approach to strengthening the innovation potential of the Western Balkan countries

This paper discusses the impediments to and perspectives of developing Triple Helix systems in the Western Balkan countries (WBCs) that are recognised as an area for future EU enlargement. Based on the level of maturity and performance of the main components of their innovation systems (research potential, R&D-and non-R&D-based innovation, and innovation governance), three types of WBCs are identified, with low, medium and good perspectives for developing Triple Helix systems, respectively. The analysis draws on a comparative study of the national innovation systems of the WBCs carried out by the FP7 WBC-INCO.NET project 1 . The paper concludes that the significance of Triple Helix systems for advancing innovation is increasing in all the WBCs, despite their current weaknesses, due to the global economic restructuring that requires a novel type of industry based on R&D-driven innovation and advanced technologies, where universities could have a leading role.

Innovation, politics and tanks: the emergence of a Triple Helix system in Ukraine and the influence of EU cooperation on its development

This paper examines the emergence of a Triple Helix system in Ukraine and the ways in which EU cooperation influenced its development. Among six main forms of EU cooperation, the Framework Programmes appear to have been the most significant, and their influence was most visible in the Knowledge and Consensus spaces and least visible in the Innovation space. Synergies between national and EU policies and resources are critical for transforming the existing industry-government and university-government dyads into a functional university-industry-government triadic partnership and a dynamic Triple Helix system. Stronger connections between the more advanced Knowledge and Consensus spaces can also catalyse the development of the weaker Innovation space. For the consolidation of a Triple Helix system, it is essential that the cooperation with the EU be resumed and scaled up, bringing Ukraine not only closer to Europe, but also to the whole democratic world. Only then the logic of innovation will outweigh the logic of tanks.

Rotational symmetry and the transformation of innovation systems in a Triple Helix of university–industry–government relations

Using a mathematical model, we show that a Triple Helix (TH) system contains self-interaction, and therefore self-organization of innovations can be expected in waves, whereas a Double Helix (DH) remains determined by its linear constituents. (The mathematical model is fully elaborated in the Appendices.) The ensuing innovation systems can be expected to have a fractal structure: innovation systems at different scales can be considered as spanned in a Cartesian space with the dimensions of (S)cience, (B)usiness, and (G)overnment. A national system, for example, contains sectorial and regional systems, and is a constituent part in technological and supra-national systems of innovation. The mathematical modeling enables us to clarify the mechanisms, and provides new possibilities for the prediction. Emerging technologies can be expected to be more diversified and their life cycles will become shorter than before. In terms of policy implications, the model suggests a shift from the production of material objects to the production of innovative technologies.

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.

Innovation Policy as a Concept for Developing Economies: Renewed Perspectives on the Triple Helix System

Innovation Policy as a Concept for Developing Economies: Renewed Perspectives on the Triple Helix System

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.

Outlook for the Interaction of Science, Business and State in Building Innovative Economy in Russia

The strategy of development Russia has chosen the course of innovations, however, the ways of creating innovation economy and the theoretical background are not clear yet. However, the triple helix theory is the most acceptable for Russia. The triple helix system can be easily applied to different spheres of economy. Some spheres of Russian economy can use the triple helix system. An example can be found in the field of bridge development. This example is the cable-stayed bridge in Vladivostok. This article can be interesting to economists, students and concerned people in the developing of the triple helix model.

The Effect of Triple Helix System and Habitat on Regional Entrepreneurship: Empirical Evidence from the U.S.

The ‘triple helix’ of the university–industry–government relationship and habitat are accepted as important determinants of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, empirical explorations of the effects of these variables and their interrelationships on regional entrepreneurial activities are highly limited. To fill this gap, we investigate the effect of the triple helix system and habitat on birth and death rates of U.S. firms at the state level. As expected, we find that industrial R&D expenditure plays an important role in promoting regional firm birth. However, university and government R&D also generate a synergistic effect that indirectly influences regional firm birth rates. In addition, we find that the synergy between university and industrial R&D enhances the sustainability of firms, while the interactions between (1) university and government R&D and (2) government and industrial R&D are associated with an increase in firm death. Other factors linked to more favorable conditions for firm formation include higher educational attainment in a region, lower tax rate, and habitat factors affecting quality of life, such as lower housing prices and higher rates of health insurance coverage. In regions with high entrepreneurial activity, we find positive synergistic effects of the interactions between (1) university and government R&D and (2) university and industrial R&D on firm birth rate, suggesting that university R&D plays an important role as an ‘entrepreneurial mediator’ among the three spheres in the triple helix system. In low entrepreneurial regions, the only triple helix system factors significantly influencing firm birth rate were tax rate. This finding suggests that the independent and interdependent components of the triple helix system and habitat are less powerful in low entrepreneurial regions.

The effect of the triple helix system and habitat on regional entrepreneurship: Empirical evidence from the U.S.

The ‘triple helix’ of the university–industry–government relationship and habitat are accepted as important determinants of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, empirical explorations of the effects of these variables and their interrelationships on regional entrepreneurial activities are highly limited. To fill this gap, we investigate the effect of the triple helix system and habitat on birth and death rates of U.S. firms at the state level. As expected, we find that industrial R&D expenditure plays an important role in promoting regional firm birth. However, university and government R&D also generate a synergistic effect that indirectly influences regional firm birth rates. In addition, we find that the synergy between university and industrial R&D enhances the sustainability of firms, while the interactions between (1) university and government R&D and (2) government and industrial R&D are associated with an increase in firm death. Other factors linked to more favorable conditions for firm formation include higher educational attainment in a region, lower tax rate, and habitat factors affecting quality of life, such as lower housing prices and higher rates of health insurance coverage. In regions with high entrepreneurial activity, we find positive synergistic effects of the interactions between (1) university and government R&D and (2) university and industrial R&D on firm birth rate, suggesting that university R&D plays an important role as an ‘entrepreneurial mediator’ among the three spheres in the triple helix system. In low entrepreneurial regions, the only triple helix system factors significantly influencing firm birth rate were tax rate. This finding suggests that the independent and interdependent components of the triple helix system and habitat are less powerful in low entrepreneurial regions.

Introduction to special issue: The emerging role of universities in socio-economic development through knowledge networking

This special issue explores the operationalization of the triple helix system in developing countries by examining the university-industry relationship and its implications for national and regional innovation systems. The five papers in this issue attempt to set in perspective the role of universities in capacity building in four developing countries (India, Mexico, Chile and Thailand). The papers are based on in-depth case studies drawing on system theories such as the national and regional systems of innovation, national innovative capacity, and the triple helix system. They draw useful lessons of policy import for university managers and higher education policy-makers, local government officials and regional industry associations. They also underline the importance of policy initiatives for networking and collaboration between industry, university and government agencies. The key factors that would need to be taken into account by policy-makers and university authorities in order to ensure continuing, effective, working relationships with industry are also highlighted.

Developing the Knowledge Economy through University Linkages

Since their inception in 1999, England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have played a significant and growing role in realizing the potential benefits of the UK science base. This paper explores the innovation strategies being delivered by two RDAs, in the north-east of England (One North East) and the south-east of England (SEEDA), which have faced contrasting challenges in delivering improved innovation performance. The authors conclude with an agenda for future research concerning the development of regional triple helix systems, based on contrasts drawn.

The Politics and Economics of Comparison

The Politics and Economics of Comparison