Network Evolution at the Science-Technology Overlap in the Triple Helix : Evidence from Particle Therapy of Cancer

This paper seeks to contextualize the discourse on science-technology overlap within the Triple Helix innovation model. It does so by proposing a theoretical framework on a ‘chain of dualities' of people and groups/organizations, and organizations and helices. Empirically it explores the co-evolution of science and technology relative to a new paradigm of cancer therapy: ‘particle therapy'. An interdisciplinary community has been emerging across university, industry and government laboratories globally. The work analyzes bibliometric and interview data mainly and finds overlap between the scientific and technological communities across the Triple Helix. This overlap occurs via co-authorship of scientific papers, consulting, patenting, advice, circulation of scientists, proximity to star scientists, and revolves around ‘scientific instrumentalities'. No major phenomenon of company founding by scientists is found, yet star scientists are key for getting the costly clinical/research facilities constructed. The bibliometric analyses focus on one of these avenues (co-authorship) and find more collaboration across the Triple Helix (but less internationally) in Japan compared to the US and Europe. Science and technology overlap at an international level, and the view of scientific progress based on communities (Kuhn 1962; and Crane 1970) still holds. Yet multiple affiliations to the interdisciplinary community and its participating disciplines are found. Further research shall clarify whether the speed of scientific and technological developments is affected and how