Intellectual capital and green entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review

Abstract

PurposeThe study aims to analyze how the characteristics of intellectual capital (IC) facilitate green entrepreneurship development in the context of ecology, environment and sustainability. Specifically, the evolution of IC and green entrepreneurship was explored through a systematic review, including the relationships and interactions between human, structural and relational capital and green entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachMeticulously combing the Web of Science Core Collection, the researcher conducted a bibliometric analysis of 800 English-language articles from 2002 to 2023. Employing co-word analysis and visualization, the literature on IC and green entrepreneurship was synthesized and systematized, exploring core topics, knowledge architectures and their evolutionary trajectories.FindingsThe IC elements such as human, structural and relational capital interact with green entrepreneurship; IC enhances the innovation and competitiveness of green entrepreneurship, while green entrepreneurship orientation influences the accumulation and reshaping of IC. The flow of IC impacts the establishment of green start-ups and the emergence of green industries, promoting sustainable growth.Originality/valueThe dynamic interplay between IC and green entrepreneurship is marked by intricate relationships and diverse attributes. Currently, no comprehensive theoretical model has been established to address the complexities intrinsic to this study. The evidence suggests that the green entrepreneurial orientation influences corporate initiatives to bolster human and structural capital, with structural capital serving as both a constraint and catalyst for human capital. The paper presents an embryonic framework of IC for green entrepreneurship, highlighting its critical role in the aggregation and reconfiguration of IC or venture creation and industry evolution. This contributes to a more profound understanding of IC in entrepreneurial contexts, providing a basis for future research and practical strategy.