How to Assess the Intellectual Capital of Firms in Uncertain Times: A Systematic Literature Review and a Proposed Model for Practical Adoption

Purpose: Intellectual Capital (IC) plays a crucial role in today’s volatile business landscape, yet its measurement remains complex. To better navigate these challenges, we propose the Integrated Intellectual Capital Measurement (IICM) model, an innovative, robust, and comprehensive framework designed to capture IC amidst business uncertainty. This study focuses on IC measurement models, typically reliant on secondary data, thus distinguishing it from conventional IC studies. Design/methodology/approach: We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis across Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO Business Source Ultimate in February 2023. This yielded 2,709 IC measurement studies, from which we selected 27 quantitative papers published from 1985 to 2023. Findings: Our analysis revealed no single, universally accepted approach for measuring IC, with company attributes such as size, industry, and location significantly influencing IC measurement methods. A key finding is human capital’s critical yet underrepresented role in firm competitiveness, which our IICM model aims to elevate. Originality/value: This is the first SLR focused on IC measurement amidst business uncertainty, providing insights for better management and navigating turbulence. We envisage future research exploring the interplay between IC components, technology, innovation, and network-building strategies for business resilience. Additionally, there is a need to understand better the IC’s impact on specific industries (automotive, transportation, and hospitality), Social Development Goals, and digital transformation performance.