Abstract
We provide an alternative model for evaluating science and technology projects and programs. Our approach, a 'scientific and technical human capital' (S&T human capital) model, gives less attention to the discrete products and immediate outcomes from scientific projects and programs - the usual focus of evaluations - and more attention to scientists' career trajectories and their sustained ability to contribute and enhance their capabilities. S&T human capital encompasses not only the individual human capital endowments but also researchers' tacit knowledge, craft knowledge, and know-how. S&T human capital further includes the social capital that scientists continually draw upon in creating knowledge - for knowledge creation is neither a solitary nor singular event. In sum, it is this expanded notion of human capital when paired with a productive social capital network that enables researchers to create and transform knowledge and ideas in ways that would not be possible without these resources. We review literature contributing to an S&T human capital model and consider some of the practical data and measurement issues entailed in implementing such an approach.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 716-740 |
Number of pages | 25 |
Journal | International Journal of Technology Management |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 7-8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Evaluation methods
- Human capital
- R&D policy
- Social capital
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Industrial relations
- General Engineering
- Computer Science Applications
- Strategy and Management
- Law