Innovation networks and knowledge clusterisation depends largely on the capacity of companies to acquire and assimilate external knowledge. The capacity of business to absorb scientific knowledge is associated with the disciplinary profile of its human resources. To explore the relationship between disciplinary absorption capacity, networks and innovation products, we suggest the concept of critical mass in science and technology-oriented human resources and compare two types of companies distinguished by differences in the profile of their critical masses. The results show that a relation does exist between the discipline-related makeup of the critical mass, the types of products obtained and the types of partners in innovation networks.

The general aim of this research has been to empirically explore some key dimensions that would enable the Basque knowledge system to be characterised and interpreted starting from the role played by the human capital in our Community and in the dynamics of the research and innovation agents (companies, scientific groups and technological centres).