Assessing competitiveness through intellectual capital research: a systematic literature review and agenda for future research

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to undertake a systematic literature review (SLR) on intellectual capital disclosure (ICD), focusing on its role in fostering competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approachFollowing the SLR process, the study identified 84 papers published in high-ranking journals over a 19-year span, providing insights into descriptive outcomes, research limitations and future research directions. FindingsThe results show that ICD research peaked in 2022, with the Journal of Intellectual Capital leading with the highest number of ICD publications. Resource-based theory was found to be the most applied theoretical framework, with developed country-specific research receiving the most attention. The use of small sample size, a lack of longitudinal studies, reliance on a single source of data, unsuitability of control variables and a lack of comparative studies with firms operating in developing countries are the main limitations that have been noted. Research limitations/implicationsThis study faces constraints, primarily stemming from the selective keyword utilization and exclusive Scopus database reliance. It omits non-English papers, conference proceedings and books, potentially overlooking relevant insights. Practical implicationsThe findings offer valuable insight for researchers, emphasizing the need for research on intellectual capital (IC) across diverse industries. Furthermore, our findings urge regulators to mandate global IC reporting to mitigate information asymmetry, while also prompting managers to enhance IC-related practices and reporting for more stakeholders' trust. Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive overview of over two decades of ICD literature, synthesizing previous studies, identifying gaps and outlining potential directions for scholars and industry professionals in the context of competitiveness.