Intellectual Capital

Nike's Intellectual Capital

Intellectual capital is comprised of both human and social capital. Human capital is the skills and talents of the employees of a company. From Phil Knight's creation of Nike's first shoe, to the empire they have now become, Nike has built its entire brand on the human capital. Nike relies on innovation through its vast research and development operations. Nike has clothing and equipment for nearly any sport or athletic activity. They have developed new technologies for equipment, shoes, and apparel. There's a reason Nike is able to have so many professional athletes endorse their products. These athletes need the best to be the best, and are more than satisfied with Nike's efforts to provide them with state-of-the-art equipment.

This also gets into Nike's social capital. Nike has developed an extensive network of relationships throughout the sporting world. Just think of the number of professional athletes using Nike gear, the universities decked out in Nike apparel, and the number of amateur events Nike sponsors to develop their brand. Nike is able to stay at the top of its industry because its brand recognition, developed through its network throughout the sporting world.