Reflecting on intellectual capital measurement and management in European universities

Purpose – This paper critically reviews intellectual capital accounting research and practices in European public universities, specifically in Spain, Austria and Italy. These three countries represent the majority of intellectual capital accounting research related to universities. Methodology – The study critically reviews a selection of university-based intellectual capital accounting research, applying Alvesson and Deetz's (2000) critical perspectives of insight, critique and transformative redefinition. Findings – Our analysis reveals that European public universities follow the Humboldtian model of higher education, integrating a third mission to society into their traditional roles as teaching and research institutions. This study explored how the emergence of a third mission for the university was conceptualised. We also provided insights, critique and a transformative redefinition to advance IC as a strategic resource in European public universities Originality – The findings provide academics and policymakers with insights, critique and a transformative redefinition of intellectual capital as a strategic resource for European public universities to meet future challenges in an ever-changing world.