University capability as a micro-foundation for the Triple Helix model: The case of China

By articulating the notion of university capability by distinguishing resources and capabilities, this paper aims to advance our understanding of the Triple Helix model from a micro-foundational perspective. From an external evaluative viewpoint, we suggest that university capability consists of (1) resource bases, (2) motivation/objectives, (3) resource allocation and coordination mechanisms, and (4) regional outcomes. Based on qualitative data collected from two leading Chinese cities in innovation and regional development, our study empirically elucidates two different approaches to deal with university capability. Our conceptualization of university capability may be a useful analytical tool to better understand the role of ‘university’ and its relationship with the other actors in the Triple Helix model.