From the triple felix of university‐industry‐academy to the triple helix of university‐industry‐government in China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the triple helix (TH) of Chinese university‐industry‐government relationships. Design/methodology/approach – Following an evolution path of TH in China, the relations among the actors for innovation have been analyzed and then it is realized that it is not university‐government‐academe relations, but “university‐industry‐government relations”. Findings – The paper points out some limitations and flaws of university‐industry‐academy and brings forward the evolutionary path to TH of university‐industry‐government collaboration and development to cope with these practical and theoretical problems. Originality/value – The author asserts that university‐industry‐government should be affirmed, not university‐industry‐academy in China for truth, which can dialogue with international academic circles.