Analysing the Differences in the Scientific Diffusion and Policy Impact of Analogous Theoretical Approaches: Evidence for Territorial Innovation Models

The aim of this paper is to reflect on the conceptualization of three, a priori, similar territorial innovation models: the triple helix, the regional innovation systems and Sábato’s triangle. To compare their underlying theoretical foundations, we conduct a bibliometric analysis of the contributions based on the previous territorial innovation models. Following Reinert’s procedure we identify the most relevant lexical worlds in each stream of work. Our results reveal that the language of publication affects the scope and dissemination of academic works, as well as their impact in terms of policy making. The analysis also evidences the conceptual and theoretical differences among the three models. In particular, the differences in the schools of thought from which the three models emerge explain, to a great extent, the differences in the way the concepts introduced in each model are approached and applied in practice. The paper discusses how the practice of policy making tends to follow mainstream theories, approaches and methods that are not designed to transform those realities in which they are to be applied. The paper contributes to the literature with new evidence that shows how the use of non-dominant languages in scientific research does not necessarily imply that the contributions are not of interest to the world scientific and policy communities.