The Triple Helix journal is pleased to present this special issue, featuring key contributions from the XXI Triple Helix Conference, held in Barcelona from June 26 to June 29, 2023. Co-organized by the Triple Helix Association, the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) and La Salle â Ramon Llull University, the conference focused on the theme: âEntrepreneurial and engaged universities for sustainable development â Linking education, research, and innovation to achieve the SDGs and ESGs.â
In an era marked by complex global social, economic, and environmental challenges, the need for inclusive, competitive, and sustainable communities has never been greater. Addressing these challenges requires not only rapid adaptation but also innovative solutions. The Triple Helix model, which brings together academia, government, industry, and civil society, has emerged as a robust framework for generating such innovations. The Barcelona conference emphasized the role of Triple, Quadruple, and Quintuple Helix strategies in driving sustainable development and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.
The conference provided a platform for international and interdisciplinary discussions among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, with the goal of advancing our collective understanding of the pressing issues related to SDGs and ESGs. Central to these discussions was the exploration of the relationship between entrepreneurial universities, smart governments, efficient industries, and committed civil society in promoting sustainable innovation.
Held at La Salle â Ramon Llull University in the heart of Barcelona, the event allowed participants to engage with the cityâs vibrant Ecosystem of Innovation â a global model for smart cities, known for its ability to integrate technological advancement with social resilience and environmental sustainability. In keeping with the times, the conference was offered as a hybrid event, enabling participants to present, engage, and interact both in person and remotely, expanding the reach and impact of this vital global conversation.
The Triple Helix Conference â Barcelona 2023 had 554 delegates representing 58 countries. The conference featured 28 ordinary sessions, encompassing 99 presentations from the abstracts compiled in the Book of Proceedings, selected from a pool of 169 submitted abstracts. These 99 abstracts were thoughtfully categorized into 19 tracks, reflecting the main themes of discussion, although many presentations touched upon more than one topic. Additionally, the conference program included panel discussions in 17 special sessions and 6 discussion panels, and speeches and debates in 3 plenary sessions, 6 semi-plenary sessions, 18 Pitching Stages. All materials from the THC 2023 can be accessed through the conferenceâs website at https://triplehelixconference.org/
Papers in this Issue
This special issue selects the best papers from all the abstracts presented at the Triple Helix Conference â Barcelona 2023, as a result of the reviewing in a peer review process of the Triple Helix journal. The contributions presented here reflect the cutting-edge research and practical cases that demonstrate the transformative power of the Triple Helix approach in tackling todayâs most critical sustainability challenges.
The first article by Breno Silva Beda de Assunção et al., âKey factors for a successful technology transfer process of digital innovation assetsâ intends to investigate the characteristics of Technology Transfer (TT) processes involving digital solutions generated by Public Research Institutes, seeking to identify the factors that interfere in this process.
The second article by Lametse Nono Letsebe and Patrick Ebong Ebewo, âTowards the development of a strategic framework for entrepreneurial universities: A case of Bostwana public universitiesâ is a qualitative study that investigates the relevance of a Triple Helix model in the transition of public universities in Bostwana into entrepreneurial universities.
The next article by Patricia Canto-Farachala et al., âEngaging for sustainable development and transformation. Exploring the concept of transformative academic institutionsâ explores the Transformative Academic Institutions (TAIs) concept, analysing the case of five academic partners working in different organizational research settings within larger university structures.
The final article by Christiane Gebhardt and Josep Pique, âSustainable transformational pathways, Triple Helix and transition. A secondary analysis of air pollution as a wicked problem in Barcelonaâ is a critical literature review that discusses the literature on the principles of participation and adaptation underlying Triple Helix and transition research for its relevance on governing urban climate change adaptation.
Each contribution reflects the core mission of the Triple Helix Association: advancing the interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore innovative solutions and frameworks for sustainable development.
In this special issue we hope to inspire further research and practice that transcends disciplinary boundaries and fosters a deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and government to create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient futures.
