How to Assess the Intellectual Capital of Firms in Uncertain Times: A Systematic Literature Review

Measuring Intellectual Capital (IC) is essential for contemporary firms. To succeed in a radically changed economic environment, organizations must develop reliable measures of IC. Yet existing studies focused on this topic missed evaluating the uncertainty sources. To our knowledge, we performed the first systematic literature review with thematic analysis to understand which IC measurement model works better in the following uncertainty areas: digital transformation, environmental impact, financial crisis, social impact and turbulent environments. We searched three databases and included quantitative peer-reviewed articles relevant to IC measurement methods in business uncertainty. This yielded 2,709 studies, of which 27 were eligible and included in the final sample. Our study found no agreement on the best IC measurement tool for uncertain times due to varying firm characteristics, including location, industry, size, and performance dimensions. Additionally, included studies emphasized the importance of human capital in enhancing company competitiveness and profitability. However, investing in IC alone cannot ensure agility and resilience in the digital era. Firms must effectively manage intangible assets like innovation, R&D, and employee knowledge and skills to drive growth. For future research, we recommend focusing IC measurement research on under-investigated industries, such as automotive, transportation, and hospitality, which require tailored IC measurement solutions. Furthermore, to highlight the broader societal benefits of effective IC management, research should also focus on measuring IC’s impact on social development goals, such as ecological sustainability, fair employment and gender parity.