Intellectual capital management in public healthcare: a systematic literature review

Purpose Healthcare systems face growing pressures from increasing costs, workforce shortages, and digitalization, making financial solutions alone insufficient. Intellectual capital (IC) has emerged as a critical resource for sustaining and transforming public healthcare. However, empirical research remains fragmented, providing limited insight into how IC is governed and aligned with strategic priorities. Thus, this study systematically reviewed existing evidence to synthesize knowledge and identify governance mechanisms for effective IC management in public healthcare. Design/methodology/approach Following the PRISMA protocol, we conducted systematic searches on IC in the public healthcare and broader public sectors. A total of 48 peer-reviewed empirical articles were analyzed to identify research trends, contextual influences and methodological approaches. Findings Most studies focused on individual organizations, neglecting system-level or ecosystemic perspectives while emphasizing performance outcomes, with uneven attention to human, relational and structural capitals and limited analysis of the role of IC in building organizational capacity for change. Public sector influences, such as regulation, funding and multilevel governance, remain underinvestigated. Research limitations/implications Future research should employ diverse methodologies and move beyond organizational boundaries to capture the ecosystemic nature of IC in public healthcare. Greater emphasis on public value and dynamic capabilities can strengthen the capacity of healthcare systems to address societal challenges. Originality/value This study is the first to integrate empirical research on IC in healthcare with insights from public management. It enhances the understanding of how public governance shapes IC management and provides conceptual and practical guidance for strengthening capability development and public value creation.