A theoretical framework for managing intellectual capital in higher education

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify, through the preparation of a theoretical framework, the drivers able to highlight the relationships between universities and stakeholders in the area of higher education. It also intends to stress the importance of intellectual capital (IC) regarding its contribution to create the quality of higher education. Design/methodology/approach The method, through the repetition of different “rounds” of interviews with questionnaires, tends therefore to create situations of comparison, verification and discussion of the different hypotheses prefigured, and then come to a convergence of both scenarios and dates of realization. Findings The paper provides a system of indicators for assessing the quality of relationships between stakeholders in the key processes of the universities. Research limitations/implications The paper provides a pilot model that needs further adjustments in itinere, based on rigorous empirical tests conducted to confer on it the characteristics of universal applicability within the university context. Practical implications The major contribution of the model is evident from the resulting interpretative process, which makes it possible to deduce, from the performance indicators, the strategies put in place by the university to achieve their goals, that is, to prepare any interventions for the optimization of the management of IC which can create the quality of higher education institution. Originality/value None of the models presented in the literature details the quality of the relationship between stakeholders in the key processes of the universities and therefore neither investigates the impact produced by them on the performance of the university nor on the way stakeholders perceive the usefulness of the knowledge transmitted or the level of customer satisfaction achieved, as indeed the most recent research on the subject envisages.

The Role of Intellectual Capital in Fostering Innovation Capability in Higher Education Institutions

“…While knowledge itself is challenging to measure or observe, the resources and activities associated with it, such as professors, researchers, PhD students, administrative staff, governance modalities, databases, and intellectual property, are more amenable to evaluation. Additionally, the interactions between universities and non-academic partners, like companies, nonprofit organizations, and public authorities, are relevant factors in the context of intellectual capital assessment (Iacoviello et al, 2019).…”

The influence of human, organizational and relational capital of universities on their performance: a developing economy perspective

“…It has been established that intellectual capital plays a significant role in achieving the imperatives of the higher education sector (Chatterji and Kiran, 2021;Frondizi et al, 2019). Strategizing around intellectual capital has been proposed as a huge competitive advantage for universities in the process of performance measurement and creating value for the education ecosystem (Aversano et al, 2020;Bongiovanni et al, 2020;Cricelli et al, 2018;Frondizi et al, 2019;Iacoviello et al, 2019).…”

Value Drivers: Scientific Knowledge Advances and Research Avenues

“…The term 'value' is in the light blue cluster and presents itself as a transversal term. Iacoviello et al (2019) propose a theoretical framework for intellectual capital management in higher education and suggest its application to assess whether its characteristics are compatible with the university context. Kleczek (2018), when evaluating if corporate efforts influence value drivers, suggests further research on the mechanisms that impact financial value drivers and the duration of financial effects.…”