The future roles of STPs in green growth of China : Based on the public‐university‐industry triple helix for sustainable development

Purpose – The public‐university‐government triple helix for sustainable development has been proposed, through introducing a new element (public) into the triple helix model while retaining the balance between economic growth and eco‐system development (Etzkowitz and Zhou). This study aims to explore the future roles and influences of science and technology parks (STPs) on green growth in China, which is now releasing about six billion tons of CO 2 a year (Maplecroft) as GDP keeps over an 8 percent growth rate. Design/methodology/approach – The regular research methodology in social sciences is taken including data collections, interviews, and some investigation to construct the theoretical conception and findings. Findings – Economic growth and environmental sustainability are not in conflict, but are mutually promoting. The green growth approach seeks to create an economic framework which opens up increased opportunities for maximizing the eco‐efficiency, such as sharing and transferring knowledge and technologies for eco‐efficient production processes, for renewable resource use and for integrated natural resources management as well as for creating new job opportunities. Practical implications – The theme of the paper lies in that a triple helix must be built in order to achieve sustainable development (green growth). The triple helix embodies a couple of objectives of the innovation for economic growth and sustainable development‐triple helix twin. Its most important practical implication is to balance economic growth and sustainability and achieve green growth. STPs' roles should be emphasized. Originality/value – University‐public‐government triple helix for sustainability is a creative development of triple helix study, which is based on the study in university‐industry‐government triple helix for innovation. The paper uses the idea originally to explore how to get green growth in China though the roles of science parks.