Intangible assets in a tangible industry - productivity improvement with intangible assets management

Despite the extreme volatility of shares listed on the international capital markets, the market values of these shares are almost always higher than their book values. This difference is partly due to "soft" factors (as opposed to "hard" book values), generally termed intangible assets. These break down into three main categories: human capital, structural capital and social capital, all of which can be described using indicators. Depending on the sector, the value ratio of tangible assets, such as fixed assets, current assets and financial investments, to intangible assets ranges between 1:1 and 1:2 or higher. This order of magnitude calls for a systematic representational approach, which could be termed an "intangible assets statement" or even a "knowledge statement". Visualising these factors - ie making hitherto unaccounted for data visible - and at least partially assigning values to them can provide a basis for developing the management of intangible assets. Although monetary values can certainly be stated for human, structural and social capital, it is sufficient to initially visualise the main relationships to the business processes and to render the relationship to corporate strategy transparent. Based on models of intangible assets management developed in Scandinavia, visualisation can be accomplished by showing combinations of strategic targets, knowledge goals and value-adding potentials. By correlating these with the other corporate goals it is possible to derive the ideal knowledge base. Narrative elements are also used, to provide functions such as a strategic steering instrument or a tool for communicating with different categories of stakeholders.