Triple Helix Spaces: A Tale of Three Helices

Abstract

In recent years, the Triple Helix model has gained prominence within academic circles. This study, situated in the field of city planning, aims to clarify the model's theoretical foundations, evaluate its measurement techniques, and explore the relationship between the Triple Helix and urban space. By examining 231 Triple Helix-related publications from the past 40 years (up to 12 July 2024, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection), we propose a framework of three distinct generations for understanding Triple Helix spaces in urban contexts. The first-generation Triple Helix space is characterized by direct interactions among the three primary actors: university, industry, and government. The second-generation expands on this by including multiple interactions among the three main actors and their facilitators. The third-generation involves the circular interaction of multiple second-generation Triple Helix spaces. Across these generations, the study provides a lens for analyzing innovative urban spaces through Triple Helix interactions and offers practical approaches for examining the Triple Helix spaces. The findings also contribute to the theoretical foundation for the sustainable development of such spaces.