Examining the Trilateral Networks of the Triple Helix: Intermediating Organizations and Academy-Industry-Government Relations

This article builds upon the concept of the trilateral networks of the triple-helix model in order to understand the role of organizations that operate in the spaces between institutions of higher education, industrial firms, and government agencies. Organizations situated in this interstitial space between public and private entities have been found to actively influence the formation of academy-industry-government relationships through the exchange of actors, resources, and commerce. These ‘intermediating organizations’ are often nonprofit organizations, including professional associations, foundations, consortia, independent research support organizations, and special interest groups. In this study a new conceptual model is proposed and illustrated through the use of examples of intermediating organizations in North America.