Innovative regional development through triple helix collaboration:a comparative case study of strategic structures and implementation

Abstract Intense global competition forces regions to seek new ways to boost innovativeness and the success of local enterprises. This paper focuses on triple helix collaboration to support regional innovation-led development and economy. Various options exist for structuring and implementing triple helix collaboration. However, current empirical knowledge is inadequate for stakeholders interested and involved in regional strategy creation and implementation. This study analyses the strategic structures and implementation of triple helix collaboration in two regional cases: Brainport (Netherlands) and Oulu innovation alliance (OIA, Finland). Case Brainport introduces a holistic approach and high profile role in regional development, whereas case OIA demonstrates the knowledge institutes’ role in regional development in five spearhead areas. The cases illustrate two empirical ways to utilise triple helix mandate and strategic structures in regional development and strategy processes. The case comparison demonstrates diverse options for organising triple helix collaboration

Racial Differences in Pregnancy Intention, Reproductive Coercion, and Partner Violence among Family Planning Clients: A Qualitative Exploration

BackgroundUnintended pregnancy (UIP) is a persistent public health concern in the United States disproportionately experienced by racial/ethnic minorities and women of low socioeconomic status. UIP often occurs with experiences of reproductive coercion (RC) and intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of the study was to qualitatively describe and compare contexts for UIP risk between low-income Black and White women with histories of IPV/RC.Study designSemistructured interviews were conducted with low-income Black and White women with histories of IPV or RC, ages 18 to 29 years, recruited from family planning clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.ResultsInterviews with 10 non-Hispanic Black women and 34 non-Hispanic White women (N = 44) were included in the analysis. Differences between White and Black women emerged regarding IPV/RC experiences, gender roles in intimate relationships, and trauma histories, including childhood adversity. Fatal threats and IPV related to childbearing were most influential among White women. Among Black women, pregnancy was greatly influenced by RC related to impending incarceration, subfertility, and condom nonuse, and decisions about contraception were often dependent on the male. Sexual abuse, including childhood sexual assault, in the context of sexual/reproductive health was more prominent among White women. Childhood experiences of neglect impacted pregnancy intention and love-seeking behaviors among Black women.ConclusionsRacial differences exist in experiences of IPV/RC with regard to UIP even among women with similar economic resources and health care access. These findings provide much-needed context to the persistent racial/ethnic disparities in UIP and illustrate influences beyond differential access to care and socioeconomic status