The role of the triple helix of university-industry-government relations in commercialisation of research in a South African biotechnology industry.

Modise, Sharifa

The role of the triple helix of university-industry-government relations in commercialisation of research in a South African biotechnology industry.

Date

2016

Authors

Modise, Sharifa

Abstract

The biotechnology industry has the potential for addressing many of South Africa’s science-based needs in the health, industrial and agricultural sectors. The triple helix is well suited to building a value chain for biotechnology-based products through focussing on creating an enabling enironment for all relevant stakeholders by means of promoting interaction between the spheres of university, industry and government. This research sought to investigate how research is commercialised in the South African biotechnology industry, focussing specifically on the role of the triple helix and investigating intentions of implementing a quadruple helix. A qualitative case study was performed using semi-structured intervews held with 13 respondents in the Gauteng and Western Cape provinces and analysing 5 documents that were used for triangulation purposes. Data analysis was performed using semantic thematic analysis driven by deductive coding; this was augmented by inductive coding and the extraction of narrative points. The study found that the role of the triple helix is to facilitate linkages between the various spheres in order to improve the overall conditions under which biotechnology entrepreneurs operate. The triple helix sometimes manifested in a triad but more often in the form of dyads. Structures were found to be essential; however, a focus on communication and collaboration was also advantageous. The triple helix was found to exist at a company level and within local government. Interactions between government departments and between industry and government were noted to be weak. Intentions of implementing a quadruple helix involving society were found to exist. Globalisation is used to support firm survival and its prominence suggests that university, industry, government, society and globalisation may exist in a quintuple helix in this industry. The historical context has shaped the current environment to a large extent. Industry faces challenges in building scale, absorbing human capital and leveraging government developmental tools to meet the health, industrial, agricultural and socio-economic needs of the country.

Description

MBA

Keywords

Biotechnology industries -- South Africa. Biotechnology -- Government policy -- South Africa.Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa. Academic-industrial collaboration -- South Africa. Technological innovations -- South Africa.