PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the dynamic capabilities (DCs) affecting the business models (BMs) in knowledge-intensive firms (KIFs). This paper also examines how much these DCs affect the BMs.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology included examining a research framework based on a literature review followed by a survey of KIFs. A sample of 214 KIFs was obtained and structured equation modeling analysis using two-stage partial least squares–artificial neural network approach was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThis study shows that managerial, innovation, intellectual capital, information technology, integration and knowledge-based DCs influence the BM in KIFs. The results indicate that “the human development” aspect of managerial DC has the most significant impact on the BM efficiency, and innovation DC has the greatest influence on BM innovation.Practical implicationsIdentifying DCs affecting the BM in KIFs provides practical results for managers and researchers in KIFs.Originality/valueThe present research uses for the first time a PLS–ANN approach in identifying the affecting DCs the BM in KIFs; examines its impact on the efficiency and innovation aspects of the BM; and enriches the literature on DCs and the BM, especially in the field of KIF.