Through utilising currently available Internet technologies, academic and governmental organisations can provide seedling
companies in their incubators with additional competitive advantage through efficient access to markets, partners, knowledge
and services both locally and globally. This paper proposes a Triple Helix approach for brokering social and human capital
based on the skills brokerage business model. The skills brokerage business model is primarily suited for individuals and
firms operating in localised settings. However, by using information and communication technologies, it is also possible to
apply the model internationally for firms that need strategic partnerships in countries or regions other than their own. Coupled
with the Triple Helix of university–government–industry interactions, it can propel innovation and the commercialisation of
it beyond traditional boundaries of geography, such as the region and nation state. The paper also presents an Internet-based
service that could be used to facilitate the brokerage process among the firms and people with relevant expertise and resources,
and it discusses the implications this would have for a number of stakeholders, such as entrepreneurs, established businesses,
service providers and business support organisations. This is still an emerging area and several themes for future research
will be highlighted.
Keywords Skills brokerage - Triple Helix - Business support services - Human capital - Social capital - Incubators - Entrepreneurial networks