Ockham’S Razor In The Analysis Of Intangible Capital?

Purpose – Economic development has determined deep changes in economic thinking. In the new information era, the wealth of the nations resides in intangible capital: human capital and the know-how of the workers. This article aims to analyze intangible capital at a micro and macroeconomic level, looking at specific scientific statements through the perspective of the principle of parsimony – Ockham’s razor. Methodology/design – We have resorted to the analysis of the reports drawn after performing regional and international research concerning the issue of intangible assets, and respectively intangible capital. The epistemological analysis of intangible capital has allowed us to identify the efforts made at an international level to reach harmonized practices in what concerns the acknowledgement, evaluation, and presentation of intangible capital. Conclusions: Intangible capital is the key resource of the companies, as well as one of the main components of the wealth of nations. Within it, we can make a distinction between the term of goodwill, a concept that appeared as early as the 16th century in economy, respectively the beginning of the 19th century in the field of law. Although the term itself is quite “old”, being in time the object of numerous studies, the divergences related to the its evaluation and recording in accounting are still present. In M&A operations (Mergers&Acquisitions), the role of the commecial fund is vital, as it supports the decisions of the judges. Goodwill is the part of the unidentified intangible assets that quantifies the benefits obtained by the acquiring company.