Intangible assets for Swedish competitiveness in a global perspective of economic, social and environmental growth

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was a pre-study outlining possible follow-on project to inform a new policy on Intangible Assets, IA, to close the perceived Swedish IA gap and outline a space for competitiveness in a global world. A comparative analysis of Sweden to other small nations, IA methods companies use within an economic analysis was the goal. A “primer” has been added outlining a proposed IA taxonomy as a basis for a standardized Swedish IA taxonomy. The purpose of the primer was to give a pre-understanding of the degree of urgency and importance of the topic of IA for Sweden.

Expected results and effects

The results indicate that Sweden has lost ground in IA position,from a high level,to other nations during the last 15y. This is a situation of much concern in the digital economy. Companies appear not to have adopted methods that have successfully been used for 25y in USA, Germany, Japan, to analyze IA, non-financial risks, etc. A program has been proposed to increase awareness among companies and policymakers on IA. Initiatives, including grants for high-potential ideas, IA-lab, aim at changing incentives to invest in IA for a more competitive Sweden.

Planned approach and implementation

Data from 60+ nations over 15 year measuring National Intellectual Capital has been used to compare Sweden with other smaller nations. A list of internationally used company methods for IA measurement and analysis have been selected and exemplified, and an economic framing attempting to link current economic, social and environmental policy to IA has been used. Academic literature, current business news, and expert discussions have then been used to capture the over-all alarming picture and propose a series of follow-on projects to address the perceived IA gap for Sweden.