INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT IN MEXICAN R&D CENTERS

Abstract

The accumulation of knowledge develops expertise, which is the ability to apply knowledge to different situations producing highly successful results. The relevant aspects of this expertise are recorded and shared in an organization in order to improve its performance in all its critical processes, through specific management techniques. Knowledge management has been defined as the collective use of internally and externally available knowledge, experience and competencies to attend the requirements of the organization at any time and place.

Knowledge management has tactical and operational perspectives related to the planning, introduction, operation and supervision of all the activities and programs related to the knowledge needed for shaping and managing intellectual capital.

The intellectual capital of a determined organization is the sum of its ideas, inventions, technologies, general knowledge, computer programs, designs, data treatment techniques, processes, creativity and publications. Intellectual capital can be understood simply as knowledge that can be turned into benefits.

The analysis of the possibilities of extracting the value of intellectual capital from Mexican research and development centers is the main motivation of this piece of research, which is based on the hypothesis that the majority of the centers have placed excessive emphasis on knowledge generation activities, leaving their valuation on the side, an attitude that has prevented them from obtaining benefits and from creating greater value for Mexican society.