ABSTRACT
literature on innovation and technology transfer refers to the Triple Helix model as a means to help countries make advanced technobgical shifts. The model depicts the joint effort of private and public institutions in boosting technology and growth. Discussion on the Triple Helix has tended to concentrate mainly on the role of the institutions involved. Where research and innovation culture is not very active, cooperation between government, universities, research institutes and companies creates synergies that increase the efficiency of Research and Development (R&D) processes. Based on the theoretical concept of the Triple Helix, this paper provides a brief overview on the Spanish R&D scenario. Taking the example of Catalonia, the analysis focuses on the relationship between public research and private companies by looking at values like trust, commitment, barriers in cooperation, knowledge sharing and learning. Data has been gathered through interviews and questionnaires; the chief respondents were public research institutions (universities) and intermediaries in technology transfer processes.
