Abstract:

The Triple-Helix framework has emerged as an important and innovative model which supports collaboration between higher education institutions (HEIs), industry and government. The purpose and value of the Triple-Helix approach to the different stakeholders are varied and multi-layered. HEIs benefit at an institutional level through an increase in funding and credibility. From a commercial perspective, they will benefit from possible patent, licencing and consultancy opportunities. From an academic perspective, HEIs can also benefit from Triple-Helix collaboration through producing skilled graduates, offering live-projects and supporting their Research Excellence Framework (REF) applications. Industry partners can benefit from Triple-Helix collaboration through access to cutting edge knowledge, research and development and a potential pipeline of new employees. Governments can benefit through the potential for a more innovation-focused private sector, the production of highly-skilled graduates and the possibility of more effective public spending through the sharing of the burden with the other stakeholders. Through a scoping review, this paper will examine the current higher education sector in the UK, looking for examples of Triple-Helix collaboration (both ongoing and proposed). The findings present a situation impacted by Brexit, Covid, and regulator change (e.g. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)), with some research and evidence indicating that the Triple-Helix framework should be reconstructed.

Keywords:

Triple-Helix, Higher Education Sector, Research and Development.