The role of innovation intermediaries in promoting the triple helix system in MNC-dominated industries in Thailand: the case of hard disk drive and automotive sectors

This article looks into the roles innovation intermediaries play to enhance triple helix-based innovation in Thailand from the vantage point of two multinational-dominated industries, namely, the hard disk drive and automotive industries. Innovation intermediaries generally play three important roles: a sponsoring role of making and transmitting policy across all triple helix actors; a brokering role of connecting triple helix actors at strategic levels; and a boundary-spanning role of providing technical services to all triple helix actors. Comparison of the two case studies showed the sponsoring role intermediary organizations play to be crucial for the respective industries for them to be able to engage in triple helix relationship.