Chancellor Michael Harris, IU Kokomo, Presentation on Triple Helix for UEDA, 2011, Economic...

The Triple HelixAchieving Success in Regional Transformation

Michael Harris, Ph.D.,Chancellor - Indiana University Kokomo

Presented at: University Economic Development Association Summit:

Innovation, Entrepreneurship and TalentOctober 11, 2011

Challenge: Global Disruption and Economic Slow-Down

• Almost a perfect storm– From an economy of traditional industrial

manufacturing, based on natural resources and labor, to an economy of knowledge driven by innovation and entrepreneurship

– Increased global competitiveness

• In an economy of knowledge, it is no longer viable to rely on policies which focus on supporting and relocating existing industries

Challenge: Global Disruption and Economic Slow-Down

• Questioning the ‘American Dream’– Varies by education and income

Challenge: Achieving Regional Transformation and Economic Growth

• Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

• The future is in abundance

• Maximizing opportunities, not minimizing risks

• Leadership is the most crucial element

• Paradigm shift – The Triple Helix – A mindset– university/campus, industry, and governments collaborating

through a new mindset – achieve a competitive region – a high concentration of

knowledge, skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship capacity

The Triple Helix• As regionalism is becoming key to competitiveness,

the role of regional universities/campuses increases

• The role of regional universities/campuses have evolved from focusing primarily on student success, research, and service, to incorporating ‘stewards of place’ and a source of innovation

• In many cases, the university/campus must become the regional leader by initiating and facilitating the Triple Helix framework

The Triple Helix

• Achieving regional transformation

Universities Differentiation in Mission

• Differentiation in mission between an intensive research university (ranking, prestige) and a regional university/campus

Examples from Implementing the Triple Helix

• Developing a biogas project in Flint, Michigan; Kettering University (GMI), Swedish Biogas, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Swedish agency on energy, City of Flint, US Federal government

Examples from Implementing the Triple Helix

• Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Entrepreneurship at Kettering University– Entrepreneurship Across the Curriculum (EAC) –

developing a mindset

• IU Kokomo is intentionally leading an effort to transform North-Central Indiana– Participating and developing a foundation for an

economy of knowledge and enhanced innovation and entrepreneurship

Partial List of Examples from IU Kokomo

– “Transforming the region” – one of three major themes

– Installation Ceremony– Facilitating a sustainable dialogue with

governments and business leaders– Convened a Mayor’s Summit – Brought together community leaders

and regional organizations – Hosted the ‘Great Connect’ bringing

500 local leaders together to share their work in transforming the region

Partial List of Examples from IU Kokomo (continued)

– Commissioned a regional benchmark study

– Intentional and relevant academic programs with regional input

– Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance (GKEDA)

– Partners in Inventrek (incubator)– Club sports – NAIA

• Indiana Chamber of Commerce – Kokomo the ‘2011 Community of the Year’

Lessons Learned

• The paradigm shift is primarily a mindset

• Regionalism is a necessary condition to compete in a global economy and economy of knowledge

• Leadership, intentionality, and communication are key

• Requires each organization to identify long-term benefits

Lessons Learned

• A sustainable Triple Helix needs to be an on-going venture

• The partnership must involve various levels and segments within each organization

• Universities have an additional role to lead innovation and entrepreneurship both on campus and beyond

Sustaining the American Dream will require enhanced regionalism and courageous leadership, guided by the Triple Helix

For sudden the worst turns the worst to the brave. - Browning

Optimism is true moral courage. - Shackleton