The design of a triple helix innovation network for the enhancement of the European equine sector

Abstract

The Triple Helix as a new model of innovation is a visual metaphor of the intertwining nature of universities, industry and government (Metcalfe, 2010). Establishing such a network that acts across different disciplines, interacts with the industry and higher education remains a major challenge for the European Equine Industry (Martin - Rosset, 2009), but can be the prerequisite for moving from underdevelopment to development (Dzisah and Etzkowitz, 2008). Therefore, the main research objective of this project was to design a Triple Helix Innovation Network (THIN) that can enhance the European Equine Sector (EES). The research has been explorative and cross-sectional in nature and made use of a multilevel case study approach. In particular, semi-structured interviews involving relevant players from the EES have been carried out to collect the data. Thematic analysis, in particular a matrix-based method has been applied to organise the data. In total ten central themes and thirty-one sub themes have emerged as results of the interviews. The main results indicate that among other things, the purpose of the THIN should be knowledge - and information exchange, knowledge-transfer to the practice, the collaborative use of resources and learning. A few emerging topics that need to be addressed relate to health, welfare, the environmental impact of horses and statistics about the sector. It is important to have members of all the three spheres involved, as well as already existing networks. Several important aspects relating to the set up stage, operation stage and sustaining stage of the network have been identified as well. It is suggested that the government is rather operating in the background of the Triple Helix (TH) innovation model, being responsible for providing the structure and rules of society as well as funding. Industry holds the central role in the TH innovation model for the EES. University is also playing a key role. Participants regard it as most realistic to operate the network via one or several local intermediaries. The data indicated that it is most important that each sphere keeps its own identity and core tasks, but also accepts and considers the roles of the others. Six models have been put forward for the design of a THIN for the EES. Hence, the main objective of the research project has been reached. Several further relevant aspects have been found that influence the design of the THIN, which add essential insights to the topic. The outcomes of the study can serve as a highly relevant, hands-on guideline to design a THIN for the EES, which can bridge the gap between the various sectors and stakeholders within the EES. Furthermore, the project revealed several new insights that can be seen as essential contributions to the body of knowledge of Innovation Networks (IN's) and TH models.