Title: Triple Helix model: leveraging endogenous innovation systems for economic transformation in Africa

Authors: Joshua Adeyemi Afolabi; Foluso Modupe Adeyinka

Addresses: Innovation and Technology Policy Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), P.M.B. 5, UI Post Office, Oyo Road, Ojoo, Ibadan, Nigeria ' Innovation and Technology Policy Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), P.M.B. 5, UI Post Office, Oyo Road, Ojoo, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: Economic transformation in Africa has been largely undermined by the lack of endogenous innovation models and development paths. Different governments in Africa have had to juggle several foreign development plans and policies, albeit with little success. The Triple Helix model, however, offers great opportunities for development, given its emphasis on the synergy among key development actors - university, industry and government. Hence, this study presents the Triple Helix model as a viable and sustainable tool for engendering economic transformation in Africa. The problems and prospects of implementing the model in Africa were extensively discussed. Findings revealed relatively weak links among the development actors in Africa owing to the dismal performance of many African countries' innovation indicators. Therefore, this study reiterates the imperatives of implementing the Triple Helix model in African countries towards the achievement of structural economic transformation, sustainable development as well as the transition from resource-based economies to knowledge-based economies.

Keywords: Triple Helix model; development actors; innovation model; economic transformation; Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2024.137481

International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development, 2024 Vol.15 No.3, pp.225 - 242

Received: 05 Jun 2023
Accepted: 15 Sep 2023
Published online: 20 Mar 2024 *