Perspective for the Development of the Theory of the Intellectual Firm

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to form ideas about the intellectual firm within the framework of the system-integration theory of the firm, created by the Russian economic school, as well as to identify the differences between this type of firm and the classical firm. The need for such a formulation of the problem is associated with the expansion of the use of intelligence as a factor and product of firms' activities, the development of the “knowledge economy”. The research methodology is the theory of the firm in various versions, methods of taxonomy, comparative and structural analysis, modeling of economic relations. The application of these approaches made it possible to designate an intellectual firm, highlighting its characteristics that distinguish it from a classical firm. A structural analysis of the firm's intelligence is also carried out, presented in the form of three relevant components – ​accumulated, newly created intelligence and the use of intelligence as a separate intellectual activity. The result of the research is the main imperatives of the theory of an intellectual firm, the obtained analytical condition for generating the intelligence of a firm with an increase in its welfare, as well as the formulated principles of managing an intellectual firm. The highlighted characteristics of an intellectual firm demonstrate its cardinal difference from a classical firm, which cannot but be reflected in further theoretical studies. Proceeding from this position, the tasks of prospective studies of the functioning and development, as well as the influence on various spheres of the economy of the intellectual firm, are formulated. Examples of intellectual firms in Russia and abroad are given, highlighting the characteristic properties of their functioning, associated with self-management, participatory features of functioning, depending on the intellectual capabilities of employees.