The Triple Helix movement was launched in 1996 by Prof. Henry Etzkowitz and Prof. Loet Leydesdorff, who brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners around a shared interest in the interactions between university, industry, and government. Their pioneering work established a framework for understanding how these three spheres collaborate to drive innovation, economic progress, and social development.

The first international conference on the Triple Helix took place in Amsterdam in 1996, marking the formal beginning of a global community of scholars and practitioners. This was followed by the second international conference in New York, USA, in 1998. Subsequent bi-annual events were held in locations including Rio de Janeiro (2000), Copenhagen, and Lund, steadily expanding the movement's reach and influence.

The XVI Triple Helix Conference, held at The University of Manchester from 5th to 8th September 2018, continued this tradition under the theme "The Triple Helix and Beyond — A New Era." The conference convened academics, government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to explore new frontiers in innovation policy and practice.

The Triple Helix model, first articulated in the mid-1990s, offers a powerful lens for examining how universities, industries, and governments interact to foster innovation and address complex societal challenges. Rather than viewing these three spheres as separate and distinct, the model emphasises their overlapping roles and the dynamic relationships that emerge when they collaborate. Over time, this framework has evolved to encompass additional perspectives, including the role of civil society and the importance of inclusive, sustainable development. Conferences built around this theme bring together a diverse international community of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who share insights and effective practices for advancing knowledge and driving meaningful progress across regions and sectors.

The Triple Helix conference series has grown into a vital platform for exploring how innovation partnerships can tackle pressing environmental, social, and political challenges. Each gathering highlights the critical role of cities as enabling spaces where cross-sector interactions can flourish, and where new solutions to complex problems are tested and refined. Themes such as diversity, inclusion, and sustainability are woven throughout the programme, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of collaboration are broadly shared. Participants engage with cutting-edge research, practical case studies, and forward-looking policy discussions, all aimed at strengthening the connections between academic inquiry, industrial application, and governmental strategy in an era of rapid change.

The Triple Helix Association — the international scholarly body behind the conference series — continues to foster research and dialogue on innovation systems worldwide. More information can be found at the Triple Helix Association website.