Fostering innovation in small and medium enterprise (SME) clusters through triple helix interactions: Exploring the role of academia industry linkages

The Triple Helix Model is a framework for analysing linkages among three institutional spheres namely university, industry and government and their integration for creation and fostering a national innovation system. Academic institutions are central to triple helix interactions as shown by innovative clusters in both developed and developing economies. Clusters in dynamic Asian economies like Thailand, South Korea and Japan pivot around knowledge flows created by universities leading to innovations that can be used and commercialized. The contribution of academic institutions to innovation in a region or cluster can be quantified by analysing transactional relations which refers to business contacts such as commissions, contracts and agreements between the university and clients who use the research. The paper presents a strong case for crafting policies which enable forging of robust linkages between SME clusters and academic institutions within an overall triple helix framework, especially in developing economies such as India where SMEs contribute significantly to output, employment and exports. Qualitative in nature, this study is based on secondary research, drawing upon analysis from research papers, industy reports and magazine articles which explore triple helix interactions.