Open Innovation Platforms as a Knowledge Triangle Policy Tool – Evidence from Finland

Abstract

O pen innovation platforms (OIPs) as a new tool fostering the convergence of innovation, education, and research activities have been gaining popularity over the course of recent years. Innovative activities are evolving towards more agile and user-driven processes. OIPs are the key mechanism for orchestrating these processes, providing a qualitatively new space for the interactions between science, education, and innovation. Platform actors have the opportunity to share knowledge and use the urban environment as a 'living lab'. Using the case of Tampere (Finland), the paper explores OIPs' role in the orchestration of joint innovation projects

The Demola model as a public policy tool boosting collaboration in innovation: A comparative study between Finland and Spain

“…For some authors, this transition to next generation innovation policies also implies evolving from old-fashioned cluster policies to new platform policies in which concepts like co-creation are combined with the paradigm of open innovation [ 34 ], the Triple [ 35 ], Quadruple and Quintuple Helix models [ 36 ], the “knowledge triangle” strategy [ 13 , 14 , 37 ] or even the responsible innovation approach [ 38 ]. Thus, the concept of open innovation platforms (OIP) emerges as “any operating environment, technology, system, company, product or service, whose development and/or content production has been systematically opened up to outside developers and value creation, and whose key aims are the benefit produced by the platform's users to each other and the network effect brought by participation” [ 14 ].…”

Open innovations implementation platforms on example of Finland

“…In particular, in Finland, the following innovation development programs were adopted and implemented (Table 2). Source: [6] In parallel with the processes of modernization of innovation policy, Finland has formed a wide network of general and applied universities. Subsequently, the network of higher educational establishments became the basis for implementation of regional innovation development programs, given in the Table 2.…”

“…«knowledge triangle» serves as a strategic priority for all three universities. If Tampere University of Technology and Tampere University of Applied Sciences focus mainly on the implementation of the «third mission», especially in business relationships, the University of Tampere focuses more on social sciences and medicine [6]. The basic funding mechanisms of universities do not provide incentives to set up partnerships with businesses or engage in innovation activities.…”

“…As a result, the interaction of Finnish universities and private companies in the last decade is more intense than in many European countries. 33% of companies are involved in a "university-company" partnership, although only 4.9% attach great importance to them [6]. In an effort to preserve the innovative potential of leading Tampere companies, of which 10 are among the world's market leaders, they invest more than 750 million euros a year in the DiR, with particular attention being paid to the development of a local innovation environment.…”

“…NFI (New Factory International Ltd), which cooperates with all three universities, has an annual turnover of less than EUR 1 million and provides intangible assets to its customers (concepts, software, training services). NFI serves universities and companies, guided by a single global concept of innovative services [6]. The MediaPolis Platform activity is based around the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE), and the Campus Arena coordinates Tampere University of Technology with its local business in areas relevant to the University's academic and educational profiles.…”