The triple helix of university–industry–government interactions represent a universal model for innovation and development within the knowledge-based society. It focuses on “innovation in innovation”, through the activation of triple helix dynamics to strengthen the diverse functions of hybrid organizations within an innovation system, including advanced research projects, technology transfer offices, venture capital firms, incubators and accelerators, and comprehensive science parks - ultimately fostering a cohesive innovation ecosystem.

This third edition retains the best elements of the first and second editions while offering a more detailed examination of how to activate the triple helix dynamics. It incorporates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a triple helix twin methodology and integrates the triple helix framework with the concepts of open innovation and (eco)innovation systems, advancing a unified innovation theory that strengthens research and practice across innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

The text is well suited for advanced undergraduate or postgraduate level student of innovation studies and also among researchers, lecturers, industry practitioners (entrepreneurs), government officers and policy makers.

Henry Etzkowitz is Founder and Head of the International Triple Helix Institute in Silicon Valley (ITHI, www.triplehelix.net), President of International Triple Helix Association (ITHA) located in Silicon Valley, and visiting Professor of Business and Law, University of London, UK. At Stanford, he is Member of the Sohaib and Sara Abbasi Program in Islamic Studies, formerly Sociology Department, STS (Science, Technology and Society) Program; faculty fellow, Clayman Institute of Gender Research. He held the Chair in Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise, Newcastle University, UK (2006-2010).

Chunyan Zhou is CEO of the International Triple Helix Institute, and vice president of the International Triple Helix Association (ITHA), Silicon Valley, USA. For decade years, she has been dedicated to research on the Triple Helix, entrepreneurial university and innovation policy, especially on the comparison between innovation model and system in China and USA.