The assessment of intellectual capital for the information and communication technology industry in Taiwan applying a hybrid MCDM model

Abstract

As the importance of Intellectual Capital (IC) has increased drastically in today's knowledge–based era, conventional analyses that focus solely on financial reports in order to evaluate operational performance and gain competitive advantage are no longer comprehensive in that they fail to capture additional capitals of significance. IC evaluation represents an important alternative. As the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, which is knowledge intensive, is one of the most profitable industries in Taiwan that significantly helps promote national competitive advantages globally and is among the main product suppliers in the world, especially for its electronic information product, determining how to secure and further improve its IC ability has become a top concern for both academy and practice. Using a hybrid Multiple–Criteria Decision–Making (MCDM) model, this study aims to assess and propose critical IC criteria to aid the electronic information industry in this matter in a more efficient and long–lasting manner. Arising from the results, suggestions and recommendations for both the ICT industry and future research are provided.