The complementarities of big data and intellectual capital on sustainable value creation; collective intelligence approach

Ann Oper Res. 2021 Nov 12:1-17. doi: 10.1007/s10479-021-04338-z. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

It is evident in the literature that both intellectual capital and big data analytics create value to the organizations independently, but how threats, opportunities, capabilities and value creation for intellectual capital change with big data adoption is largely unexplored. This paper aims to develop an analytical framework for identifying challenges, opportunities, capabilities and value creation in the face of complementarity between big data and components of intellectual capital. The paper uses a Collective Intelligence approach as a theoretical background. Based on Structured Literature Review, the current study has developed an analytical framework for organizations to be used as a decision-making tool while making investment in big data and managing intellectual capital. Findings suggest that the scope of human capital has changed largely as now employees are expected much more than in the past with strong analytical, dynamic, technical and IT capabilities. Structural capital calls for new practices, routines and procedures to be adopted and old methods to unlearn whereas relational capital stresses the importance of network building and social media to create sustainable value for the society.

Keywords: Big data; Collective intelligence; Intangible knowledge assets; Intellectual capital; Structured literature review; Value creation.