Triple Helix model: leveraging endogenous innovation systems for economic transformation in Africa

Economic transformation in Africa has been largely undermined by the lack of endogenous innovation models and development paths. Different governments in Africa have had to juggle several foreign development plans and policies, albeit with little success. The Triple Helix model, however, offers great opportunities for development, given its emphasis on the synergy among key development actors - university, industry and government. Hence, this study presents the Triple Helix model as a viable and sustainable tool for engendering economic transformation in Africa. The problems and prospects of implementing the model in Africa were extensively discussed. Findings revealed relatively weak links among the development actors in Africa owing to the dismal performance of many African countries' innovation indicators. Therefore, this study reiterates the imperatives of implementing the Triple Helix model in African countries towards the achievement of structural economic transformation, sustainable development as well as the transition from resource-based economies to knowledge-based economies.