The Triple Helix Model and Regional Development: The Case of Türkiye

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, the global economy has undergone a significant transformation with the transition from an industrial society to a knowledge economy. This shift has necessitated a re-evaluation of economic growth and regional development theories. Technological progress, once considered an exogenous factor in classical economics, has increasingly become an endogenous element at the core of modern growth models. In this new landscape, universities have evolved beyond institutions of mere education and basic research, becoming central actors in regional innovation systems, hubs for technology transfer, and vital components of local development. The Triple Helix Model characterizes the relationship between university, industry, and the state as a dynamic structure where institutional boundaries soften and roles frequently overlap. Within this model, the state acts not only as a regulator but also as an investor and risk-taker; industry evolves from a mere producer to a seeker and creator of knowledge and R&D; and the university is transformed into an entrepreneurial institution rather than just a provider of education. This study examines this theoretical transformation within a framework ranging from classical development literature to modern growth and innovation theories, analyzing the legal and institutional reflections of this theoretical background in Türkiye. The Turkish innovation ecosystem, shaped around technology parks, R&D centers, and Technology Transfer Offices established in the post-2000 period, is evaluated within the context of academic capitalism debates and regional inequalities. Furthermore, the challenges encountered in converting quantitative growth into qualitative development are discussed, and policy recommendations are provided.