Environmental collaboration in practice: lessons learned from Kalmar

Abstract

The Triple Helix platform project 2011-2014 further developed the wastewater treatment in the wood industry. Research was also carried out to study the actual practice of such collaboration between sectors. While the main project consisted of industry-university collaboration, initiatives to increase the unofficial regional networks of Triple Helix collaboration were also studied. Interactive research method was used to be able to work in this process and to gain access to the practical knowledge the participants have about this kind of work. Results from this show the importance of informal contacts and forums for discussion between sectors. Other important areas were the financing and time frames which are different and how such differences surface in the interaction between sectors. The changing role of university meant that researchers had the responsibility of creating knowledge with industry and other actors in society, reaching practical results and results of societal relevance. This increased emphasis on the practical relevance of knowledge had to be balanced with the traditional goals for research. Whether or not this is talked about as a Triple Helix there are several points of interest that can be related to wider changes in the way research and the third task is conducted and the context in which research is performed affects the day to day activities of the people working in such an environment.