From modeling the interactions among institutions to modeling the evolution of an ecosystem : a reflection on the Triple Helix Model and beyond

By decomposing and analyzing the quadruple helix model and N-tuple helices into interacting triple helices, Leydesdorff and Lawton Smith’s (2022) research promises to open further the black box inside the higher-order helices, and provides a theoretical basis and guidance for the subsequent governance on the innovation in the higher-order helices model. In this commentary, we have argued that a framework based on agile governance can be applied to the governance of this higher-order helices model with interactions among multiple triple helices. A set of flexible and adaptive actions or methods are necessary to make the governance on the higher-order helices model to be more agile to keep pace with the rapid changes of society.