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Sustainability Considerations and Triple-Helix Collaboration in Regional Innovation Systems

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Facilitating Sustainable Innovation through Collaboration

Abstract

Sustainability challenges imply that there are severe needs for intelligent innovation processes. This chapter presents four case studies on sustainability oriented collaboration; including experiences from advanced leadership training, the Øresund Science Region innovation system, mobility of sustainability expertise, as well as business developments for hardwood. Two cases employ “Triple-Helix” collaboration between companies, research and the public sectors. In a metaphor, the entrepreneur is presented as a “driver” with a need for appropriate instruments, a steering wheel and an inspiring vision. Investment and depreciation of capital are used in analogies that explain why investment thinking is relevant also within the environmental dimension. A sustainability oriented model of material recycling is used as a metaphor to clarify how the sustainability value of experience varies dependent on how and where it is used. Self-esteem, empowerment and freedom of action are found to be essential to facilitate transformative learning. In addition to open dialogue it is vital to mobilize sufficient concerted “investments” in “real life experiments” with new creative ideas. To build motivation to engage in renewal oriented innovation, it is important to elucidate the human sustainability advantages that are likely to evolve as a result of more knowledgeable innovation.

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Correspondence to Reine Karlsson .

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Karlsson, R., Backman, M., Djupenström, A. (2010). Sustainability Considerations and Triple-Helix Collaboration in Regional Innovation Systems. In: Sarkis, J., Cordeiro, J., Vazquez Brust, D. (eds) Facilitating Sustainable Innovation through Collaboration. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3159-4_2

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