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Triple Helix Twins: A Framework for Achieving Innovation and UN Sustainable Development Goals

Author

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  • Chunyan Zhou

    (International Triple Helix Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA)

  • Henry Etzkowitz

    (International Triple Helix Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA)

Abstract

This study invents a Triple Helix of university-public-government for sustainable development, as a complement to the Triple Helix of university-industry-government for innovation. Twinning the two retains the dynamic properties of a tertius gaudens in the framework which addresses environment, resource protection, social change and equality issues. Adding a risk space and raising the “Triple Helix Spaces” concept to the world level are also proposed as a methodology to fulfill related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through joint projects transcending national borders. A project for collaborative world region development of advanced solar photovoltaics is then suggested as an exemplar. Achieving the UN SDGs requires education institutions, governments, non-government organizations and individuals to commit to collaborations, adopting dynamically interacting triple helices to unite innovative development and sustainable development. Debate over expanding the Triple Helix model has focused on whether the fourth and fifth helix might improve or disrupt the triadic model. Although a four-actor system is far away from satisfaction, an expanded model is required to incorporate the critical issues of reconciling innovative and sustainable development. Harnessed together, the Triple Helix twins provide a framework for SDGs attainment.

Suggested Citation

  • Chunyan Zhou & Henry Etzkowitz, 2021. "Triple Helix Twins: A Framework for Achieving Innovation and UN Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:12:p:6535-:d:571018
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    5. Otioma, Chuks & Nsanzumuhire, Silas U. & Grillitsch, Markus & Jirström, Magnus, 2023. "Seeking for the shift towards challenge-oriented innovation policies: Tracing digitalization policies over two decades in Africa," Papers in Innovation Studies 2023/9, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    6. Matteo Trane & Luisa Marelli & Alice Siragusa & Riccardo Pollo & Patrizia Lombardi, 2023. "Progress by Research to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the EU: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-37, April.
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    8. Henry Etzkowitz, 2025. "Academic soulmate: a memory of Loet Leydesdorff," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 130(6), pages 3275-3277, June.
    9. Jara Laso & Israel Ruiz-Salmón & María Margallo & Pedro Villanueva-Rey & Lucía Poceiro & Paula Quinteiro & Ana Cláudia Dias & Cheila Almeida & António Marques & Eduardo Entrena-Barbero & María Teresa , 2022. "Achieving Sustainability of the Seafood Sector in the European Atlantic Area by Addressing Eco-Social Challenges: The NEPTUNUS Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-25, March.
    10. Samovoleva, Svetlana, 2023. "Проблемы Регулирования Абсорбции Знаний В России [The Challenges of Regulating Knowledge Absorption in Russia]," MPRA Paper 119311, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    11. João Reis & David Pascoal Rosado & Diogo Freitas Ribeiro & Nuno Melão, 2022. "Quintuple Helix Innovation Model for the European Union Defense Industry—An Empirical Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-17, December.
    12. van Bueren, Bart J.A. & Leenders, Mark A.A.M. & Argus, Kevin & Lim, Weng Marc & Iyer-Raniga, Usha & Sabani, Alvedi, 2025. "Integrating sustainability into helix models for eco-innovation: The eco-5HM," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    13. María Garrido-Ruso & Beatriz Aibar-Guzmán & Albertina Paula Monteiro, 2022. "Businesses’ Role in the Fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-35, July.

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