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

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.