Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title><jats:p>This article aims to discuss adaptation of innovation network during crisis, using the context of an Indian state’s response during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title><jats:p>The article is based on a combination of data from public sources and interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators from an Indian state obtained during the period January–May 2020.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title><jats:p>A hybrid innovation network approach with low barriers between the triple helix agents and a non-linear approach to innovation shaped the response of an Indian state toward the pandemic.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title><jats:p>This article serves as a case study for innovation network response during initial periods of a crisis such as COVID-19.</jats:p></jats:sec>