A synthetic indicator of intellectual capital:: human and structural.: A factor in competitiveness

The measurement of intangibles in the business sector brings together experiences that use synthetic indicator models, with subjective information linked to traditional accounting and information systems. Along these same lines, we provide a response to the needs of the new macroeconomy building an indicator that is a combination of the classic data base and the data created ad hoc to deal with the challenges of the knowledge-based economy and that in turn is a reference for competitiveness between economic spaces. We researched the method and the quantification of a regional indicator of intellectual capital, disaggregating into human and structural factors. Later we introduced a comparative analysis for the regions of the EU-15, examining opportunities for growth, also the correlation of production variables. Development perspectives should promote knowledge, through R&D, with the guarantee and support of a motivated, well-trained labour market.