The Nigerian university and the triple helix model of innovation systems: adjusting the wellhead

Abstract

In this article, we situate the Nigerian university within local and global conditions and how these affect its performance within the theoretical expectations in a knowledge-based economy as postulated by the triple helix (TH) perspective of innovation systems. We posit that while the TH three configuration represents an innovative approach in the explanation and visualisation of innovation systems in the new economy, the model appears too fine for most African societies where the governments exercise strong monopoly on the other sectors of the economy, or where the economy is not actually hi-tech and research and development oriented. Rather, in its present structure, the configuration seems to fit environments where the university, industry and government maintain mutual independence and respect for each other's roles in the economy.

Keywords:

• Triple helix
• Nigerian universities
• innovation systems
• economic growth
• industry