THEORY OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL

The theory of intellectual capital is a new prominent theory which has not only challenged the large attention, but already considerably promises the increase of business results in the future. The base of the theory lies in the fact that tangible assets (land, buildings,
equipment and money) of today’s leading companies around the world have less value than intangible assets, which has not been quoted in their business balances. Theory is founded on the conviction that the wealth of enterprises is based on the
human capital, structural capital and consumer capital. The value creation happens when one kind of capital turns into another. For example the value has been created whenever the human ability (the human capital) creates new business processes (the structural capital)
which results in better services for consumers and increases their loyalty (the consumer capital). One of the main attributes of intellectual capital is its intangibility. The intellectual property is the intangible property. It has neither hard shape like properties (plants and equipment – parts of physical capital), nor it has obvious financial value. The intellectual capital is also often described as “hidden assets”. Therefore it is often diffi cult to identify and mark its economic value. The aim of this paper is to integrate the former cognitions and theoretical frameworks of this new theory and to attempt the defining of directives of further research of this intangible property of enterprise.