Title: What do we really mean by the dynamic dimension of intellectual capital?

Authors: Aino Kianto

Addresses: School of Business, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland

Abstract: References to the dynamic nature of Intellectual Capital (IC) have become increasingly popular. However, there seems to be no shared understanding as to what exactly |dynamic| stands for, and only few authors using this attribute define it explicitly. Given that the field of IC is already characterised by multiple terminologies and disciplinary backgrounds, to include the dynamic dimension into the discussion without an awareness of its underpinnings is a potential source of further confusion and threat to scientific rigour. This paper provides a systematic framework for understanding the various interpretations and theoretical backgrounds of dynamic IC. By inspecting previous literature, it demonstrates that the dynamic dimension of IC has been interpreted in three distinct ways: as value creation processes, activities and change capabilities. Each interpretation is based on distinct theoretical discussions and provides specific insights on knowledge in organisations. This clarified understanding of dynamic IC enables more focused future research and theory development.

Keywords: dynamic intellectual capital; value creation; activities; change capabilities; dynamic capabilities; renewal capability; innovation; learning; knowledge assets.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2007.016332

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2007 Vol.4 No.4, pp.342 - 356

Published online: 19 Dec 2007 *

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