Table 1 Va lidity and reliability criteria and treatments within the study

Internal validity

Research framework derived from literature

Etzkowitz H, Leydesdorff L (eds) The underlying framework for the study that allowed for the exploration and classification of the Corporate Helix model, as well as the resulting propositions for the model, is based on the triple helix studies by Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff (1997), specifically, Universities and the Global Knowledge Economy: A Triple Helix of University-Industry-Government Relations

Pattern matching

Observed patterns for the case on SKKU-Samsung were compared to patterns established in a previous Corporate Helix study on POSTECH-POSCO

Construct validity

Data triangulation

Annual reports, bulletins, newsletters, newspaper articles, website information, and online documents were screened. Follow-up interviews were conducted with key respondents from both companies and universities to cross-verify specific material

Explanation of data analysis

A pair-wise case approach was applied so as to develop conclusions and insights. A comparative method in data analysis procedures was undertaken to allow for deriving propositions that can be traced

External validity

Cross-case analysis

Pair-wise cross-case analysis was conducted between POSTECH-POSCO and SKKU-Samsung, including government bodies from South Korea, with multiple informants from different levels of the Industry, University, and Government to further allow for methodical generalization of the Corporate Helix case

Rationale for case study selection

The selection of POSTECH-POSCO and SKKU-Samsung, including the Ministry of Education of South Korea, accounted for conditions proposed by the Corporate Helix model. Selection of POSTECH-POSCO and SKKU-Samsung cases allowed for addressing the double helix formation stage between University and Industry of the Corporate Helix model. Selection of the Ministry of Education allowed for addressing the triplex network stage with the Government after double helix formation

Reliability

Case study database

Case study notes, documents, and narratives were collected during the study to enable future replication of the model for the cases of Hyundai and LG which are currently being investigated by the author

Actual organization/company/institute names provided

Actual names of companies, universities, and government bodies on which the study is presented are provided