Triple Helix Model and Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration

Although the Triple Helix model has been widely analysed in the context of innovation ecosystems, its contribution to fostering the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within public administration remains insufficiently explored. This study addresses this research gap by examining how interactions among universities, industry, and government facilitate AI integration into digital governance across selected EU countries.Purpose: The main research objectives are to: (a) assess the digital maturity of the selected EU countries; (b) evaluate how Triple Helix interactions shape AI adoption in public administration; (c) analyse the interrelationships among the three actors within the context of AI governance; and (d) explore the connections between each country’s AI strategy and its broader governance mechanisms.Design/Methodology/Approach: The research combines both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing data from AI Watch, the European Commission, Eurostat, Oxford Insights, and the OECD. Findings: The findings reveal significant disparities among the selected EU member states and identify critical factors that either facilitate or constrain AI integration within public administration, offering new insights into the evolving role of the Triple Helix model in the era of algorithmic governance.Practical Implications: The results are particularly relevant for public sector decision-makers, researchers in governance and innovation studies, and policymakers seeking sustainable models for digital transformation and collaborative innovation.Originality/Value: This research presents the first cross-national empirical study linking Triple Helix dynamics to AI-driven innovation in the public sector, incorporating a range of indicators. The originality of this research lies in its conceptual integration of the Triple Helix framework with the transformative capacities of artificial intelligence in reconfiguring public governance and innovation dynamics within a few EU countries.