The Role of Universities in National Innovation Systems: A Triple Helix Perspective

This article offers a comparative perspective by intersecting the Triple Helix model with National Innovation Systems (NIS) to investigate how literature conceptualizes the role of universities across varying institutional configurations. A systematic literature review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol, led to the selection of twelve studies explicitly addressing universities. The analysis, both descriptive and thematic, is structured around three dimensions: how universities are represented across national contexts, the factors shaping their strategic positioning, and the role of governments in enabling their involvement. Findings reveal a dominance of qualitative methodologies, and underscore the critical role of institutional autonomy, cross-sector partnerships, and structured yet non-centralized state support. These insights offer practical guidance for policymakers and academics seeking to enhance university engagement in innovation systems. Nonetheless, the study’s scope is limited by the narrow corpus. Future research should explore the roles of the other two spheres and bilateral interrelations within the Triple Helix dynamic.