The evolution of N‐helix of the regional innovation system: Implications for sustainability

Abstract

This research examines the evolution of the study on triple helix (TH) approaches to the investigation of regional innovation systems (RISs). Prior studies on TH-based RISs have focused largely on complex interactions among innovation creating actors (i.e., university, industry, and government) and non-market institutions in various regional contexts. Although there are a growing number of TH-based RIS studies, they often ignore the evolutionary aspect of the RIS studies and implications for sustainability. Thus, herein we conduct a wide range of systematic literature review on the TH research in the RIS literature published from 1990 to 2017. The study identifies that the TH literature evolves into various N-helix models in particular, gravitating toward stakeholders, internationalization, specialization and ecological conservation, which offers various implications for sustainability in the regional development context. In the ages of globalization, digitalization, and socio-ecology, this study offers a comprehensive view on the TH research for sustainable development and suggests useful future research directions that academics and policymakers can benefit from.

Achieving sustainable development goals through board size and innovation

“…Several literatures (Etzkowitz & Zhou, 2006;Lew & Park, 2021;Smith & Leydesdorff, 2012) find evidence that innovation and sustainability are interconnected through the Triple Helix Model, these are industry, universities, and government aligning their objectives to create a transformational solution.…”

“…Additionally, Hansen et al (2009) state that innovations focusing on sustainability are an effective tool to tap into new markets and customer segments. Several literatures (Etzkowitz & Zhou, 2006; Lew & Park, 2021; Smith & Leydesdorff, 2012) find evidence that innovation and sustainability are interconnected through the Triple Helix Model, these are industry, universities, and government aligning their objectives to create a transformational solution.…”

Defence industries and open innovation: ways to increase military capabilities of the Portuguese ground forces

“…Since the mid-2000s, innovation ecosystems have been gaining relevance in emerging industries (Arenal et al 2020). The literature has evolved into several models of N-helix, gravitating around stakeholders, internationalisation, specialisation and ecological conservation (Lew and Park 2020), which offers several opportunities to study these models in the light of various industrial sectors. As previously mentioned, the QH innovation model is based on the Triple and Quadruple Helix models, adding the "natural environment" to the fifth helix (Figure 1).…”

La Evolución De Redes Y El Desarrollo De Modelos De Innovación De Cuádruple Hélice

“…Ante la naturaleza compleja de la innovación, surgieron modelos explicativos sobre la interacción de diversos sistemas sociales (Lew & Park, 2021;Steenkamp, 2020), tal como el modelo de Triple Hélice (3H), centrado en el análisis de la interacción dinámica entre universidad, industria y gobierno (Yoda & Kuwashima, 2020). El modelo 3H sostiene el rol prominente de las universidades para la innovación en la producción, transferencia y aplicación del conocimiento hacia otros actores sociales, específicamente, la industria y el gobierno (Ranga & Etzkowitz, 2013).…”