Capital intelectual y actividad exportadora de la empresa

Abstract

This doctoral thesis entitled "Intellectual capital and export activity of the company" aims to analyze the different components that make up the construct of intellectual capital - human capital, structural capital, and relational capital - on the export performance of the company. The analysis of each of the dimensions of intellectual capital is developed in chapters 2, 3 and 4. Chapter 2 addresses the study of human capital. Human capital represents the set of knowledge and skills that individuals possess because of their education and work experience. The level of organizational human capital is considered, making a distinction between general and specific human capital, which allows a more in-depth and detailed analysis of human capital. The empirical analysis is carried out on a sample of Spanish manufacturing companies from the Survey on Business Strategies (ESEE) and using Logit and Tobit regression models. The results show the general human capital -educational level of the employees- positively affects both the export propensity and the export intensity, while only some dimensions of the specific human capital affect both indicators of export performance. In particular, the experience of employees affects export propensity and intensity, but not the training received in the company. Furthermore, general human capital causes greater changes in export performance than specific human capital. Chapter 3 analyzes the impact of structural capital. Structural capital refers to the knowledge that resides in processes -structural capital in processes- and organizational systems -organizational structural capital- and that is essential to keep organizations running. In particular, the analysis focuses on structural capital in processes linked to innovation processes and considering two subsamples of companies according to the level of human capital, while the level of human capital is a factor that conditions the development of structural capital. The empirical analysis is carried out with data from the Survey on Business Strategies (ESEE) and using Logit and Tobit regression models. The results show that the structural capital associated with innovation processes generates a significant impact on export performance, although this impact is more consistent in the case of companies with lower human capital endowments than for those with greater human capital. Chapter 4 investigates the role of relational capital. Relational capital refers to access to knowledge and resources found in the network of relationships and contacts that the company has with clients, suppliers, or other social agents. The analysis focuses on relationships with foreign companies in which the focal company has some participation in their capital and on relationships with foreign input suppliers. The empirical analysis is carried out using data from the Survey on Business Strategies (ESEE) using Logit and Tobit regression models. The results show that the greater the number of foreign companies in which the focal company has equity stakes, as well as the greater the intensity of supply of inputs derived from foreign suppliers, the greater the export intensity of the companies, both SMEs and large companies. Business. However, as regards export propensity, this effect is only significant for SMEs, not for large companies.