A method to evaluate the efficiency and productivity of the intellectual capital management

Purpose – In this paper we suggest a method to evaluate the efficiency and productivity of the Intellectual Capital through the assessment of Bests Practices, that have successfully implemented strategies of Intellectual Capital management. Then we analyse the Italian yacht manufacturers sector in order to offer yachting companies guidelines for Intellectual Capital management. Design/methodology/approach – The techniques selected for appraising the productivity of intangibles are the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). Originality/value – This approach allows a direct comparison between firms of the same industry in the perspective of improvement through benchmarking. It overcomes one of the main limitations of the current intangibles metrics allowing a comparison between enterprises regarding their management of Intellectual Capital. Practical implications – The outcome of the application gives to inefficient companies a direction for progress and constitutes the essential basis for the formulation of future Intellectual Capital management strategies. The paper gives both academic and practical insights that could be used for the operational and strategic management of Intellectual Capital.