An evolutionary Triple Helix to strengthen academy-industry relations: Suggestions from European regions

The concept of the Triple Helix is often used as a vague model. Sometimes it plays a prescriptive role. At times it seems an empirical generalisation of local systems of science and technology. Moreover, it is unclear if it has to be interpreted as a neo-corporatist phenomenon or, on the other hand, if its dynamics seem to fit an evolutionary model. We propose to assess the Triple Helix model by an analysis of some of the most innovative European regional areas. The aim of this assessment is to verify the prescriptive hypothesis that only an evolutionary model of Triple Helix, where the evolution of a strong interaction of academy-industry relations is shaped by regulation and market forces and not by the direct intervention of government and public bodies, is able to produce the best S&T output. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.