Handbook on Intangibles

This Handbook provides a comprehensive analysis of intangibles, focusing on their reporting, disclosure and valuation. Highlighting the critical role of intangibles in business and economic growth, it underscores their widespread and pervasive presence and significance in the strategy, management and development of organizations.

Adopting an original and innovative perspective, the Handbook collects 36 contributions that illustrate and critically discuss evidence and standpoints from diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, standard setters, international institutions, professionals and academics, taking into account micro and macro viewpoints. They argue that in a global digital economy, the ability to fund, reward and sustain innovation hinges on the visibility of the intangible assets driving it. Chapters examine several key areas concerning these resources, covering their accounting treatment, reporting and disclosure requirements, including sustainability, the associated risks and impacts, and the implications of digitization. The Handbook emphasizes that the effective management of intangibles is not only a matter of disclosure, but ultimately a matter of economic governance.

The Handbook on Intangibles is an essential reference for scholars and students in the fields of economics, banking and accounting. It is also of great benefit to investors, financial analysts and accounting and valuation professionals interested in the function and practice of intangibles.