4.0 digital transition and human capital: evidence from the Italian Fintech market

Abstract

PurposeIn the intellectual capital literature, no studies have examined the causal relationship between Italian Fintech companies' performance and intellectual capital, especially the impact of digital industrialization on human capital. This paper aims to fill this gap in measuring human capital efficiency in the Italian Fintech market.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt Pulic's model and define the intellectual capital through three components (human capital, structural capital and capital employed) and perform an exploratory analysis of the Italian Fintech companies by using principal component analysis. Then the authors investigate the effects of the intellectual capital and its components on the Italian Fintech companies' performance by using parametric and nonparametric regression models.FindingsResults of regression models reveal that human capital and employed capital are positively related to the companies' performance, except for the structural capital.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on the Italian level, and future research could be extended to different European countries or to the global Fintech market. Moreover, it is advised to explore more components that contribute to intellectual capital measurement inside the companies operating in the 4.0 industrial revolution, such as the innovative capital and the relational capital.Practical implicationsThis study proposes a new vision for managerial procedures to find which features are critical for achieving profitability in this digital era. The study offers interesting reflections on the management decisions for both companies and public decision-makers. Results suggest that, among intellectual capital components, human capital plays a strategic role for the knowledge-intensive companies that are interested in potentiating their performance and competitiveness. Furthermore, this study finds that human capital is critical factor for achieving profitability in this digital era.Social implicationsThe Fintech sector is one that most benefited from the Digital Revolution, and if it is adequately managed, it can bring great benefits in terms of major employment, especially for the young population, and bring major financial inclusiveness all over the world.Originality/valueThis is the first study that examines the Italian Fintech market and analyzes the dependence relationship between companies' performance and intellectual capital components, identifying the role of human capital in a new completely digital sector. The analysis findings are strategic for the business decisions-making process.

An empirical Study on Impact of Intellectual Human Capital on Corporate Social Innovation

“…Subsequently, SI's significant and positive impact on the competitive advantage has been developed sustainably. As per Izzo et al (2021), the results related to models (styles) describe regression that working capital and HC are very positive in the performance of companies. Other than that, Li et al (2020) stated the empirical results indicate that the company's positive contribution comes from the strength and efficiency of HC in different sectors.…”

“…Likewise, Dahiyat et al (2021) found a positive impact of HC, Social Capital, and knowledge transfer on OC. As per Izzo et al (2021), the results related to models (styles) describe regression that WC and HC are very positive in the performance of companies. Besides, Ren and Song (2021) stated HC and OC have a significant positive impact on investment in research and improvement as well as the relationship between IC and innovation, which is influenced by the drivers of the economy in general.…”

“…Additionally, Izzo et al (2021) propose to fill the gap in the causal relationship between IC and the performance of the Italian company Fintech where HC is measured. These firms (Fintech) use an innovative test using principal element analysis and authors of non-Pahari regression patterns to examine the effects of IC on the performance of Italian companies.…”

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“…Berwirausaha juga memerlukan seperangkat pengetahuan dan keterampilan yang khas, cocok dengan profil tugas kewirausahaannya (Lazear, 2005;Krieger et al, 2022). Hasil penelitian Izzo et al, (2022), temuannya menunjukkan bahwa komponen modal manusia dan modal intelektual memainkan peran strategis bagi perusahaan padat pengetahuan yang tertarik untuk mempotensiasi kinerja dan daya saing mereka.…”

The role of university Knowledge Transfer Offices: Not just commercialize research outputs!

“…A su vez, contribuye con el desarrollo nacional y regional, a través de la consolidación de trabajo colaborativo entre la universidad, empresa y estado (Guerrero et al, 2021). Además, contribuye con la atracción de talento destacado, empleabilidad y acceso a nuevas fuentes de financiamiento (Izzo et al, 2021).…”