A typology of principal investigators based on their human capital: an exploratory analysis

Abstract There is burgeoning literature on principal investigators (PIs) and their influential role in science, technology transfer research commercialisation. However, there yet no analysis of this actor from the perspective human capital (HC), i.e., combination knowledge, abilities skills that they possess. Consequently, purpose paper to fill gap by identifying whether a range different PI profiles exists, based HC. A cluster was developed using database comprised 224 PIs teams, wide scientific fields. Three were identified, research-oriented PIs, accomplished management-focused . The relationship between each these performance analysed at both individual team level, our findings reinforce idea not size fits all. Indeed, contrary ‘more better’ statement, higher levels HC are necessarily connected better results, suggested an adequate as best option for PIs. Results gender, three have been examined, well.