A Triple Helix systems approach to strengthening the innovation potential of the Western Balkan countries

This paper discusses the impediments to and perspectives of developing Triple Helix systems in the Western Balkan countries (WBCs) that are recognised as an area for future EU enlargement. Based on the level of maturity and performance of the main components of their innovation systems (research potential, R%D- and non-R%D-based innovation, and innovation governance), three types of WBCs are identified, with low, medium and good perspectives for developing Triple Helix systems, respectively. The analysis draws on a comparative study of the national innovation systems of the WBCs carried out by the FP7 WBC-INCO.NET project. The paper concludes that the significance of Triple Helix systems for advancing innovation is increasing in all the WBCs, despite their current weaknesses, due to the global economic restructuring that requires a novel type of industry based on R%D-driven innovation and advanced technologies, where universities could have a leading role.