A Model for Measuring the National Knowledge Assets through Coherent Knowledge Management Approach Considering the Science and Technology Policies

Knowledge-based economies need management and coherent measurement of their knowledge as productive properties and a competitive advantage. This is noted in the science and technology policies of the country and requires a model for measuring the knowledge assets of the country. Accordingly, the current research aims to design a model for measuring the national knowledge assets through the coherent knowledge management approach considering the science and technology policies. This is an exploratory and qualitative study. Some misconceptions and contradictions, however, were noted in the literature regarding the definition of knowledge assets, and the methods and approaches of its measurement. Therefore, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 17 experts in the field. They were the authors of important works having research and executive experiences at different universities. The qualitative data of the interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings resulted in a model for measuring the national knowledge assets in four aspects: environment, infrastructure, outcome, and human capital. The suggested model measures knowledge assets based on money value in public and private sectors, and gives a tool for measuring the national knowledge assets.