THE TRIPLE HELIX MODEL APPLICABLE TO THE ROMANIAN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES AND IMPLEMENTATION PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The Triple Helix model, developed by Henry Etzkowitz and Loet Leydesdorff in the late 1990s, proposes a reconfiguration of the relationships among universities, the business sector, and public authorities in order to support innovation and the development of a knowledge-based economy. This article examines the extent to which this model can be applied within the Romanian university system, taking into account the institutional, legislative, and cultural particularities of the national academic environment. It also presents examples of good practices from European universities such as the University of Twente, Lund University, and British higher education institutions. The paper discusses the main barriers limiting the convergence of the three spheres, including excessive bureaucracy, insufficient research funding, limited mobility of personnel between academia and industry, and the absence of a well-established culture of academic entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it identifies strategic directions for strengthening university-industry-government partnerships, with particular emphasis on the role of regional universities in supporting local economic development.