The Triple Helix as a model for innovation studies

Abstract

The Second Conference on the Triple Helix of University-Industry-Government Relations focused on “the future location of research.” In this report, the Triple Helix thesis is developed into a recursive model of how an overlay of communications operates on the underlying institutions. Market selections, innovative dynamics, and network controls provide different codes of communication at the global level. Local translations at the interfaces induce adaptation mechanisms in the institutional arrangements. While two dynamics tend to coevolve into trajectories, a regime of transitions emerges when trajectories can be recombined. The emerging hyper-networks are expected to be in flux. Institutions can then be flexible in temporarily assuming roles of other partners. Niche management and human capital management become crucial.