Outreach programmes using the Triple Helix model to encourage interest in Science and Technology among underrepresented youth

Abstract

Science and Technology entrepreneurship is one of the requirements of the new millennium, an era called digital society and globalization. Entrepreneurship is considered an agent of growth, wealth creation and development of society. Although New Zealand has experienced a rapid growth of education and research in Science and Technology areas, the country continues to face challenges in engaging communities such as Māori and Pasifika school students. There is a lack of understanding about career pathway choices and opportunities by parents and high school students, especially in these communities (Ministry of Business, 2014). A significant part of enhancing this understanding is building a relationship between the communities, science and technology industry partners and school students.
This paper presents an initiative taken by the university, government and community partners to create a better understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and entrepreneurship. The programme brought together business, government, researchers, school students, and the wider community within the Auckland region. It demonstrated the application of the triple helix model (Figure 2) to connect the three major players through STEM subjects and entrepreneurship. The programme encourages students to think about themselves as job makers rather than job takers in the future. A range of measures are used to evaluate its success, and initial results are presented. The format of this study can serve as a guideline for future initiatives aimed to
improve students’ awareness of STEM and entrepreneurship careers.