A foray into the Triple Helix Model, seen from the Universidad Metropolitana del Ecuador

Abstract

A theoretical analysis has been made about what some theorists call the Triple Helix Model, considering that innovation arises in a progressive and cumulative way, guided by a systemic approach that pursues, the noblest of causes, of improving society, adding sustainable development and growth. This model connects entrepreneurship to regional development, using higher education as a vehicle for its promotion alongside with society, thus producing a sustainable model of development arising from the synergy between: Company, University and Society, or as other authors call them: University, Industry/Businesses and Government, with the main purpose of counteracting the problem of unemployment for youth and higher education graduates, while at the same time improving university training for them and contributing to local development, through the introduction of innovations. Theoretical methods of analysis and synthesis were implemented, as well as comparative methods to highlight the work of Metropolitan University of Ecuador in this regard, through projects related to society, business contracts, dissemination of research and innovations through scientific events and others, in pursuit of sustainable development and the aspiration to create science parks linked to companies in the region, among other activities that reflect this interrelationship that flows in an integrated and committed way.