Contribution of Universities to Regional Innovation via Technology Transfer

The Triple Helix model is a prescriptive model of innovation that takes a sociological perspective to explain how the reciprocal relations between university-industry-government contribute to the creation and capitalization of knowledge. The model emphasizes the role of the university as promoters of socioeconomic development especially in those regions with low technology dynamics. The conceptual framework developed by Gunasekara which combines the triple helix model and the engaged university theory, is applied to perform a comparative analysis of the current role of two Mexican universities –one private the other publicin terms of their contribution to regional development. Results shows despite the efforts of both universities to establish links with the public and private sectors, they only play a developmental role. Important changes in technology, research and innovation policies are required to support the establishment of the multiple reciprocal relations claimed by the Triple Helix model. Regional universities need to do more than promote entrepreneurship, create incubators and support joint research projects with local enterprises to play the generative role universities have under the triple helix model.