The Triple Helix -- University-Industry-Government Relations A Laboratory for Knowledge Based Economic Development

Etzkowitz & Leydesdorff (2000) further elaborated the Triple Helix of University-Industry-Government Relations (cf. Etzkowitz & Leydesdorff, 1995; Lowe, 1982) into a model for studying knowledge-based economies. A series of workshops, conferences, and special issues of journals have developed under this title since 1996. In various countries, the Triple Helix concept has also been used as an operational strategy for regional development and to further the knowledge-based economy. This short review (4000 words) provides an update (in January 2012) of the further elaborations of various Triple Helix models (such as a neo-institutional versus neo-evolutionary version). The surplus of using different models is specified in terms of research strategies. Using Triple Helix indicators, one can evaluate to what extent an innovation system is nationally, regionally, or technologically integrated.