Triple Helix System for promoting innovation network and technological development in the Thai SME sector: the case of the Thai dessert industry

This paper aims to look into the triple helix system as a basis for promoting technology and innovation in the Thai SME sector with particular reference to the Thai dessert industry. The paper draws on the significance of networking and social capital development for cultivating the indigenous knowledge base of the Thai dessert industry with the aim to improve prospects for technological capability development and long-term growth of firms in the industry. The paper presents best practice deriving from two cases of community business to show the institutional framework for network development leading to technology improvement and innovation of enterprises. Network facilitators or leaders are needed in these communities in view of the prevalence of weak University-Industry-Government link. The intervention of network facilitators is expected to promote the development of entrepreneurship, creativity and social capital among the community of firms. In other words, they play a key role in establishing linkages between firms within communities and between communities and external agencies. In addition, network facilitators also act as innovation organisers for communities, acquiring knowledge from outside and promoting its transfer among members, and building a culture of trust to stimulate interactive learning within the network.