Emerging as one of the most important corporate assets, there is evidence that, in some developed countries, the impact of knowledge capital in the GDP now surpasses the fixed capital. This paper uses quantitative data to broadly qualify the impact of the two main building blocks in the knowledge management integration process: information and communication technologies (ICT) and Education. The data analysis suggests that by providing efficient network platforms, knowledge can be captured, transformed and disseminated to individuals, groups and organisations. Investment in ICT seems to enable to connect people and support knowledge sharing and interpersonal interaction and therefore facilitate knowledge management processes and strategies. A case‑study of Portugal is used to illustrate the conclusions drawn.

Over the last decade we have seen the emergence of an economy in which the digital component has become a constant presence in all areas of knowledge. In the digital world, characterised and dominated by a complex connectivity, value assumes a complex meaning, which is strongly distinct from that used in the traditional economy. There are new business concepts, new strategies based on innovation, new mechanisms to create value, and a new need — to build methodologies and metrics that can measure and reflect it.