The triple-helix innovation model forms the structure of the Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance.
Born from biomedicine, the triple-helix innovation model has, for decades, been a reliable structure for exciting new research. When combining the collective knowledge and resources of multiple organisations, the results are bound to be bigger, more exciting, and ultimately more useful for the greater good.
In the instance of the Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance, the triple-helix brings together industry, education institutions, and government to observe the impact potential of Victorian solutions.
What is the history of the triple-helix?
How is this model used in the Alliance?
What are the benefits of the triple-helix innovation model for key stakeholders?
Has this model been used before in an education technology context?
What is the history of the triple-helix innovation model?
The term “triple-helix” for this innovation model was first coined in 1982 by C.U. Lowe. This concept is borrowed from cell biology. Indeed, Lowe’s paper “The triple-helix–NIH, industry, and the academic world.” explores how some of the most compelling biomedical research has occurred through the intersection of multiple stakeholders playing in different corners of the medical world (1).
By 1995, the journal article “The Triple Helix — University-Industry-Government Relations: A Laboratory for Knowledge Based Economic Development” was published, formalising this model for the education space. In it, Henry Etzkowitz and Loet Leydesdorff argue that education’s relationship with society has evolved, with the expectation that institutions provide both short-term and long-term contributions (2).
In an increasingly competitive education landscape, institutions and schools at the cutting edge of innovation will have an advantage to attract the best students. This model is not only in the interest of the institution, but in the state government and e-learning solution providers to support the digital transformation of learning. Through this model, all are contributing to the long-term social and economic development of these communities.
How is this model used in the Alliance?
Triple-helix innovation neatly fits into the aspirations and goals of education technology. Education technology has the potential to impact learners and educators around the world, providing access to quality, effective technologies for improved learning outcomes. By partnering with institutions and government, EdTech companies tap into academic knowledge of pedagogy and opportunities for national and global connection.
The Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance is a partnership between the Victorian state government, EdTech companies, and institutions and schools across the world. EduGrowth uses its experience and deep understanding of the sector to facilitate this collaboration and guide the progress of the program. Each partner is essential to the success of this program: delivering the solution, deploying the solution, and marking the efficacy of the solution.
What are the benefits for key stakeholders in the Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance?
EdTech companies
- End-to-end user feedback in product design
- Increase product credibility
- Best practice for finding product-market fit
Institutions and schools
- Supports education decision-makers to choose, use and implement EdTech
- Ability to move from trial to adoption of new technologies once proven
- Ease of access for procurement
Government
- Cross-sector support strengthens state/national innovation and education capability
- An increased presence for the government facilitating the program
- Contribution to the increasing body of literature on EdTech efficacy
Has this model been used before in an education technology context?
This is a replicable model, used at EdTech agencies around the world for testbed programs. The Swedish Edtest is Sweden’s first national testbed for education technology — supporting learners from pre-K through high school. By May 2021, 50 companies tested their solutions with over 200 schools. While this program is at the national level, this incorporates similar values to the Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance.
The New York City Department of Education founded iZone to facilitate collaboration between school and EdTech companies. It aims to better personalise the student learning experience at over 200 schools, in order to meet their individual academic needs and prepare them for college.
These are only two such examples that are used around the world, at varying scales and for varying intended purposes. For the Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance, the triple-helix innovation model aims to support the burgeoning Victorian EdTech sector and accelerate companies with serious export potential.
References
- Lowe, C U. “The triple helix–NIH, industry, and the academic world.” The Yale journal of biology and medicine vol. 55,3-4 (1982): 239-46, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596451/.
- Etzkowitz, Henry and Leydesdorff, Loet, The Triple Helix — University-Industry-Government Relations: A Laboratory for Knowledge Based Economic Development (January 1, 1995). EASST Review, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 14-19, 1995, https://ssrn.com/abstract=2480085.
The Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance program is funded by the Victorian Government as part of the $3.6 million International Research Partnerships program under the International Education Short-Term Sector Recovery Plan.
For more information about the initiative visit Global Victoria EdTech Innovation Alliance.