International Journal of Technology Management & Sustainable Development - Volume 6, Issue 3, 2007

The Triple Helix paradigm a construct addressing the research-based links between government, universities, and firms is lacking in formal tests. This study attempts to alleviate this deficiency by conducting an empirical analysis of the effects of relationship-based forms of capital, which has been identified by theorists as an attribute of Triple Helix-based R&D. OLS results utilising a unique dataset (KORTAI R&D) comprised of 108 questionnaire responses of Korean directors and project leaders reveal that new forms of capital are especially significant for firms and universities while less so for government research institutes (GRIs). The effects for universities, however, are delayed and indicate a spillover effect.

This paper sets in perspectives the development of regional industrial clusters in India and discusses issues related to technology transfer from public-funded R&D laboratory system in India, such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to small and medium enterprises and the impact of such transfers on the development of Indian industrial clusters. This has been done with the help of case studies of technological and managerial intervention from three specific CSIR laboratories. The paper also discusses different aspects of regional characterisation, specialisation and the role played by these national laboratories and others in trying to resolve the technological, managerial and social problems faced by industrial and artisan clusters.

Using a qualitative and a case study approach, this paper examines the role of the Malaysian universities and their social relationships with government and industry in the light of the statist, laissez-faire and hybrid characters of the Triple Helix model. Most Malaysian universities are positioned within the statist and laissezfaire variants of the Triple Helix model, where the government is invariably a dominant actor. Overall, universities in Malaysia have made efforts to see social relationships evolve; however, there are still issues to be addressed and difficulties to be overcome with respect to such questions as commercialisation and procedures that would need to evolve within the university for transition to hybrid Triple Helix culture to take root.

The Indian economy is expected to grow by over 8 per cent per annum until 2020 and can become the second largest in the world, ahead of the United States, by 2050, and the third largest after China and the United States by 2032. The turnaround in manufacturing and other sectors, which has occurred in the face of increased global competition, is due to improved efficiency following the various policy reforms in recent years. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute 6 per cent of GDP, 34 per cent of national exports and account for the employment of more than 30 million people. SMEs have improved their performance and presence through industrial cluster approaches. In this paper, we present the experiences of three auto clusters in three major locations in India. We also highlight some of the important issues that SMEs face and conclude by suggesting suitable cluster interventions for enhancing competitiveness and sustainability of the SME sector.