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University-firm-government interactions on industry dynamics have been widely discussed, accentuating the role of the government and universities. However, a case study of the solar photovoltaic industry in Taiwan reveals that pioneering firms play a leading role in the creation of an industry in a knowledge-importing economy, whereas government and universities stimulate further growth of the industry. This industry dynamic among university-firm-government enriches triple helix studies and is important for firms intending to initiate an industry and policy-makers in the field of science and technology in knowledge-importing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty years ago, Taiwan faced the common constraints of most SME-dominated developing countries in build up scientific and technological capabilities. To facilitate the implementation of national innovation policy, Taiwan government has over time generously supported non-profit R&D institutions which embedded themselves into the triple helix model. Among the institutes, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park (HSIP) are the most visible. This paper aims to illustrate a case study discussing how ITRI and HSIP have helped SMEs in Taiwan overcome the challenges of technology, human resources, and new business venture when developing a high-tech sector. For other countries seeking to build up innovation capabilities and currently reliant on SMEs, it is worth studying the case of Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article critically reviews the national innovation systems of the four little tigers in East Asia, namely Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea, in fostering R&D and technological research. A national innovation system is characterised by the interactions between the state, industries and universities in promoting innovation. This article attempts to explore such interactions in the four societies, paying particular attention to the role of higher education. Specifically, university–industry collaboration is the main body of analysis. Drawing from comparative perspectives, this article finally maps out the national innovation systems of East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]