Within a regional innovation system there is an interaction between players of different character. A model which describes this is the so-called Triple Helix model, which is based on an active participatory relationship between regional players within research, politics and industry in their various forms.

By developing a common vision and coordinating the development resources that are invested in a region, the goal is to bring about an increased innovation capacity and greater yield from investments.

Luleå Trade and Industry AB should actively work towards making the most of all branch development opportunities in Luleå, Sweden. One has to especially work towards creating cooperation and understanding between the branches government and university. Luleå Trade and Industry AB´s activities in this objective should focus on those that create industrial growth.

Luleå Trade and Industry AB is a development company that stimulates growth by developing existing companies, running development projects for trade and industry as well as actively working with the establishment of businesses. The company, as a unique authority should co-ordinate resources in the local industry, Luleå municipality and Luleå University of Technology in order to create conditions for a growing industry in Luleå. The branch councils make up the basis of the company’s activities.

The work should according to the Triple Helix model occur in cooperation with the local industry, Luleå municipality, Luleå University of Technology and in cases where it is appropriate other public and private parties of interest. The working method is expressed most clearly in the branch councils that play a central roll for realising the plan. The branch councils themselves also follow the Triple Helix model with a combination of representatives from industry (the majority), the public sector and Luleå University of Technology. The branch councils handle branch-specific questions and make up an important resource bank for Luleå Trade and Industry AB, in different questions as well as in the development of ideas and projects. The chairpersons of the respective branch councils also sit in the company’s executive body. A total of 130 persons, the majority from the industry are active in the branch councils.

The Triple Helix model aims to positively:

• create conditions for a more structured development operation, with the goal of creating    

   industrial growth

• increase the political/societal support in the regional development operations

• support and even hasten the development processes

• create greater understanding between Triple Helix parties for and about each other’s terms.

The generally positive effects that can be stated, are that for the member companies not the least of which the small and medium-sizes companies, the Triple helix model has in many cases created new knowledge and competence developmental relationships.  When it comes to the university, it appears that even here the understanding between researchers has increased, to a certain degree even within the university management, towards becoming an integrated part of the region’s shared profile.

In the same way insight has grown about the academy’s importance and the need for a R&D-based long-term regional strategy, with clear links to the existing or appearing future businesses and industries.  The university is represented in each branch council by participating students, who in a very positive way become engaged in the local trade and industry.

Conclusions that can be drawn from this collaboration are in part that it creates a common language as well as a mutual understanding and respect for each other. The collaboration also implies the transfer of knowledge, through persevering relations between persons from different environments, where the emphasis shifts all the time between giving and taking.

Keywords: collaboration, university, SME, municipality