Measuring the human capital of scientists in the principal investigator role

Abstract

There is an emerging literature on scientists in the principal investigator (PI) role that identifies them as central and key actors in entrepreneurial ecosystems. PIs in leading large-scale public research programmes and teams require an array of skills and abilities to be effective in this role. The purpose of this paper is to propose a human capital (HC) measurement scale that can unearth their competencies at the micro level, since no specific measurement scale specifically for PIs. The proposed model, which was reached through the methodology established in the literature, is composed of 6 PI’s HC factors, such as, research knowledge, open-mind research ability, research perform ability, stoic research skill, innovation skill and critical skill. In proposing this, this paper advances micro level understanding of the competencies that PIs require to be effective in the role and answers the call for deeper research on these crucial actors. Shedding light on this issue not only beneficial is for the administrators of the universities, the research centers, or the funding agencies, to obtain further essential information in selecting the best-qualified person, but also to self-evaluate their skills, abilities, and knowledge, so that they can direct their efforts toward improving the weak aspects of their HC. Furthermore, it can be an additional useful criterion for defining the career plans of PIs or their promotion policies.