Innovation Systems in Conceptual Evolution: Mode 3 Knowledge Production in Quadruple and Quintuple Helix Innovation Systems

Universities, or higher education institutions (HEIs) in more general, have three main functions: teaching and education, research (research and experimental development, R&D), and the so-called “third mission” activities, for example, innovation (Campbell & Carayannis, 2013b, p. 5). In reference to “arts universities” now, the question and challenge arise, whether to which extent and in which way the arts universities differ from the (more traditional) universities in the sciences. Arts universities obviously place an emphasis on the arts, and the arts are not identical with the sciences. However, also arts universities frequently make references to the sciences; thus also arts universities can express competences in teaching and in carrying out research in the sciences. The other major challenge of arts universities is to engage in “artistic research” and “arts-based innovation.” By this, arts universities (and other higher education institutions in the arts) are also being linked to and are being interlinked with national innovation systems and multilevel innovation systems. This widens the whole interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary spectrum of higher education systems. “Artistic research” furthermore complements the “teaching of arts” at arts universities (see also the propositions formulated by Bast, 2013). Hybrid and innovative combinations of universities of arts and universities of the sciences are possible and indicate organizational opportunities for promoting creativity (Campbell, 2013b).