Scientists across the boundaries : national and global dimensions of scientific and technical human capital (STHC) and policy implications for Australia

Globalization of higher education, finance and industrial production has contributed to the internationalization of scientific and technical human capital (STHC). STHC is generated by and includes research and development (R&D) personnel, but also includes the knowledge, know-how and learning capacity embedded in their knowledge networks. As science and technology (S&T) personnel develop their careers and networks, they draw upon and contribute to the development of dispersed knowledge networks and consequently STHC. Drawing on a recent survey of publishing scientists and an analysis of publication patterns in the biological sciences, this article seeks to document and reveal the policy implications of dispersed knowledge networks for Australian science and innovation capacity.