Generation of innovation may require specialized knowledge, skills and abilities which embed with individuals and their human capital. The knowledge, skills and abilities of these individuals can question the prevailing norms.
Firm-specific human capital acquires explicit knowledge through interaction among other employees, managers, members, technological, physical and other resources of a firm. These individuals remain and grow within firm boundaries through interacting and learning experiences by performing job assignments, socializing with different people and resources.
There is consensus among the knowledge-innovation researchers on transformation of knowledge. Transformation of knowledge must be preceded by changes in current norms and should offer new solutions to prevailing problems. Those knowledge, skills and abilities and expertise are the components of human capital that constitute the predominant source of new ideas, knowledge, and vital for innovation outcomes.
Innovation requires organizations to cater to individuals with a specific type of knowledge. Thus, it can be hypothesized that individuals with specialized knowledge of routine resources, firm's capabilities, habits, abilities and limitations will facilitate an environment of collaboration which in return will assist in the generation of innovation.