Title: Innovative regional development through triple helix collaboration: a comparative case study of strategic structures and implementation

Authors: Tuomo Kinnunen; Satu Rinkinen; Jukka Majava; Jay Gillette

Addresses: Smart Energy and Transport Solutions, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LTD, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, LUT Lahti, Saimaankatu 11, FI-15140, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Center for Information and Communication Sciences (CICS), Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, USA

Abstract: Intense global competition forces regions to seek new ways to boost innovativeness and the success of local enterprises. This paper focuses on triple helix collaboration to support regional innovation-led development and economy. Various options exist for structuring and implementing triple helix collaboration. However, current empirical knowledge is inadequate for stakeholders interested and involved in regional strategy creation and implementation. This study analyses the strategic structures and implementation of triple helix collaboration in two regional cases: Brainport (Netherlands) and Oulu innovation alliance (OIA, Finland). Case Brainport introduces a holistic approach and high profile role in regional development, whereas case OIA demonstrates the knowledge institutes' role in regional development in five spearhead areas. The cases illustrate two empirical ways to utilise triple helix mandate and strategic structures in regional development and strategy processes. The case comparison demonstrates diverse options for organising triple helix collaboration.

Keywords: regional development; regional innovation; triple helix; collaboration; innovation; empirical case studies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2018.092084

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2018 Vol.8 No.2, pp.120 - 135

Received: 03 Jul 2017
Accepted: 27 Sep 2017
Published online: 31 May 2018 *

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