The potential beyond IC 4.0: the evolution of business intelligence towards advanced business analytics

Purpose The private health care sector is seeking to improve their understanding of business processes to be able to improve their performance. The purpose of this paper is to understand the future needs of the private health care sector organizations in terms of business intelligence (BI) and business analytics (BA) to ensure value creation. Design/methodology/approach The four evolution stages of intellectual capital enriched by managerial data-driven approach are used as a framework to point out the future of BI or BA in the private healthcare sector. The research includes private health care organizations, BI vendors and management consultants in Finland. Findings Based on the findings, the private health care is stepping towards a new phase of data-driven decision-making, requiring to change the whole set of mind towards use of data and required capabilities. Moreover, it shows that the future factors of BI varied from practical tools and methods such as predictive and prescriptive analytics along with AI, to more conceptual factors such as social BI co-creation and platforms. Practical implications - As an outcome, this study provides an understanding of the role of IC components in the future BI and use of BA as well as provides a valuable insight into the future potential of BI in the private health care sector. Originality/value Data-driven decision-making and seeking for new business opportunities are currently one of the most discussed topics in the private health care sector. By identifying the future opportunities of BI and BA, this study provides a better understanding of the role of IC components and BI in creating potential for new business for private health care.