Revisiting the triple helix: A meta-analysis of university-industry-government collaboration and its impact on innovation

The Triple Helix (TH) model of innovation has become a fundamental framework for promoting knowledge-based economic growth, highlighting the dynamics of university-industry-government (UIG) collaboration. The objective of the study is to conduct a meta-analysis on the role of the UIG interaction within the framework of the TH model and its effect on innovation output. A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published between 2004 and 2026, yielding 20 studies with 72 estimates. We consolidate the data through meta-regression analysis (MRA). The results demonstrate a moderate but statistically significant positive impact of TH collaboration on innovation outcomes, with no evidence of publication bias. The multiple MRA reveals that the effect size in regional-level analysis is greater than firm-level studies. However, government engagement as a moderating factor consistently reduces collaborative effectiveness, offsetting the gains from university-industry partnerships. This negative role of the government contrasts with the theoretical assumption that the government promotes innovation through TH collaboration. These insights necessitate tailored policies to enhance the government’s enabling role while mitigating bureaucratic rigidities that hinder innovation. Lastly, moderating variables such as publication type (journal or conference), type of innovation measure (patents or otherwise) and whether the study focuses on a developed or developing country do not show any significant effects.