Brainport Eindhoven: born from crisis - 25 years as a Triple Helix Governed Ecosystem

Abstract

Various researchers have called for research into positive examples of successful triple helix governed ecosystems. Triple Helix collaborations are seen as the solution to tackle the current ‘wicked problems’ of society. Researchers are encouraged to enhance our understanding of governing inter-organizational collaborations (ecosystems) in the context of university-industry-government (Triple Helix) relations. In this paper we therefore describe a case study of the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem in the Netherlands which embodies a triple helix organization and how the regional governmental structure (Brainport Foundation and Brainport Development) on the one hand stabilizes at a strategic level and on the other hand gives flexibility at the tactical and operational level. This leads to the transfer of knowledge and to innovation and change within the network. Using mixed methods of 1) analysis of (strategic) documents about the regional governance used and how the Brainport Eindhoven mission evolved through time; 2) semi-structured interviews with current and former Brainport Foundation board members and former Brainport Development managers; and 3) network participant observations; we reveal rich experiences from 25 years of Brainport Eindhoven. This research shows the historical overview of Brainport Eindhoven and how the triple helix parties together managed several regional or worldwide crises. This togetherness was crucial in the development of a successful regional ecosystem. Our findings illustrate the fragile balance between stability and flexibility within the ecosystem and its governance based on processes of common sensemaking by all stakeholders. Our paper contributes to a better understanding of the development and governance of triple helix entrepreneurial ecosystems. Finally, this paper makes suggestions for future research by discussing the ambition to transform the ecosystem into a Quadruple Helix (adding the ‘community’ as a fourth pillar) organized ecosystem.

Inflammatory biomarkers in sebum for identifying skin damage in patients with a Stage I pressure ulcer in the pelvic region: A single centre observational, longitudinal cohort study with elderly patients

“…However, other cytokines, namely IL-1RA and IL-8, were not detectable. 13 Other sampling techniques, such as skin blotting, have also reported an upregulation of IL-1α over the site of a PU, although these methods remain semiquantitative and require standardisation owing to the inflexibility of nitrocellulose membranes. 30 Indeed, in the present study, we have reported a significant upregulation of both IL-1α as well as the low abundant cytokines, IL-8, IL-1β, G-CSF, and a down-regulation of IL-1RA at the site of Stage I PU relative to that of the control site.…”

“…Previous in-vitro studies, involving cell and tissue models, and animal studies have reported the release of cytokines following prolonged mechanical loading. 12,13 Non-invasive adhesive tapes have been used to sample cytokines typically IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-8, INF-γ, and IL-6 from sebum on the skin surface. Subsequently, studies have shown their upregulation following prescribed mechanical and chemical insults, [14][15][16][17] as well as clinically relevant loads following the attachment of medical devices.…”

“…21 A pilot study (n-6) investigating cytokine release over a site of Stage I PU, showed an upregulation of IL-1α relative to an adjacent healthy control site, indicative of localised tissue damage. 13 These studies suggest that cytokines could serve as promising biomarker candidates for identifying early signs of skin damage.…”