Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the mechanisms used to measure and manage intangibles in companies can be applied to universities and other research institutions. Design/methodology/approach The characteristics of the issues is addressed by companies in relation to their intellectual capital (IC) and how they manage them are reviewed to discuss whether universities can apply the same framework. External pressures for change and barriers universities encounter, particularly due to the current governance system, are discussed. The experience of some universities are briefly described. Findings The companies' framework is possible to be used by universities, with some specificity. Research limitations/implications The number of universities actually applying this framework is small and therefore the results cannot be generalized. Practical implications Policy measures are needed to encourage research institutions and universities to measure and manage their IC. In a knowledge‐based society, the main knowledge producers should be more accountable for their activities. Originality/value The use of IC concepts to analyze universities' performance is still scarce. This is an attempt to fill such lacuna.
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