Innovation nodes in technological higher education: determining factors for triple helix articulation

Abstract

This study analyzes the factors justifying the implementation of an innovation node at the Technological Institute of Puebla (ITP) to strengthen knowledge and technology transfer within the National Technological of Mexico (TecNM). Using a descriptive quantitative approach, 346 students and professors were surveyed from 254 projects belonging to 147 Technological Institutes across the country that reached the national phase of InnovaTecNM 2023. Results reveal that funding and technical advisory are priority needs (32.37% each), followed by the demand for specialized laboratories (36.05%) and intellectual property training. Additionally, 62.43% of participants expressed willingness to receive institutional technical-commercial guidance. Furthermore, the need for training in financial analysis, market research, and legal structure was identified to consolidate viable business models. The findings, discussed under the Triple Helix model, confirm that the gap between research and the market demands permanent institutional structures. It is concluded that the innovation node serves as a key coordinating mechanism to increase the technological maturity of projects and promote technology-based entrepreneurship with a national impact.