The Intangible Economy

High-Level Expert Group to study the Links between Intangibles and Industrial Competitiveness

The pre-published version of the report of the European HLEG on the Intangible Economy "The intangible economy : impact and policy issues" is available on this site. 

This report sets out the initial findings of the European High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on the Intangible Economy, which was set up in response to a request by the European Commission Directorate General for Enterprise. Its conclusions and recommendations represent the first milestone in a study programme launched in January 2000, and present new evidence on the influence of business intangibles on corporate performance and productivity, together with an assessment of the implications for companies, financial markets, public institutions and regulators.

The report was prepared by the HLEG secretariat with assistance from an expert group. 

The report starts with an executive summary and the remainder is structured in four parts. Part I discusses the economic transformations currently at work and the essential responses for European companies to remain in the premier competitiveness league. Part II explores and presents fresh  evidence on the links between intangible investment and economic performance. The implications for official statistical and accounting systems are reviewed in part III, by reference to national accounts and economic indicators, capital markets and internal management accounting practice. Part IV concludes with a rationale and priorities for policy orientation.

Download the report (PDF format - Zipped file 389 ko):

Home Page: http://www.eu-intangibles.net