Capital is an asset that is expected to produce future economic value. It is a productive resource that is used by societies, firms, and individuals to create wealth and generate income. Overall, capital is a productive resource that is used to create economic value. There are many different types of capital, and each type plays a unique role in the economy. Considering, all economic moats dry up at some point, building permanent capital is a worthy goal.
Human Capital
Human capital are the talents and health of people that allows them to produce future value. Generally speaking, people don’t like to be referred to as capital. However, this is an important concept of economics that encourages investment in quality of life such as education and healthcare. This refers to the skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities possessed by individuals. It’s enhanced through education, training, and experience. Human capital is crucial for economic growth and innovation.
- Cultural
- Health
- Knowledge
- Talent
Relational Capital
Relational capital is the value of relationships and social structures. For example, a firm with a million loyal customers has more productive potential than a firm with zero loyal customers. Likewise, social structures and systems such as society, culture and community all increase the economic prospects of people.
- Community
- Culture
- Investor Relationships
- Loyal Customers
- Organizations
- Partnerships
- Society
- Talented Employees
Natural Capital
Natural capital is any natural resource that has value. This is often destroyed due to a situation known as tragedy of the commons whereby firms and individuals don’t pay for their damage to these resources. The stock of materials or information in the environment, useful for human activity. It includes renewable and non-renewable natural resources.
- Air
- Ecosystems
- Forests
- Geological Features (e.g. rocks)
- Land
- Minerals
- Organisms
- Water
Tangible Capital
Physical things build by humans that have productive potential.
- Buildings
- Computers
- Equipment
- Infrastructure
- Machines
- Vehicles
Intangible Capital
Also known as Intellectual Capital. Non-physical things that have productive potential. This includes relational capital listed separately above. The intangible value of a business, including its intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks), knowledge, brand, reputation, and unique processes and practices.
- Brands
- Data
- Knowledge
- Patents
- Software
- Trademarks
Current Assets
The assets of a business that can be quickly converted to cash or that are intended to be sold or used within a business cycle.
- Accounts Receivable
- Cash
- Inventory
- Marketable Securities
- Prepaid Expenses
- Supplies
Financial Capital
Financial capital is cash, cash equivalents and assets with cash value. For a business, financial capital is often classified according to its source. Equity capital is cash that was raised by the investors who own the business. Debt capital are loans from creditors that are used as capital by the business.
- Current Assets
- Debt Capital
- Equity Capital
- Working Capital
Cultural Capital
Introduced by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, it refers to the non-financial social assets that promote social mobility. It can exist in three forms:
- Embodied: Knowledge and skills one acquires over time.
- Objectified: Physical objects owned, like art, books, etc.
- Institutionalized: Recognized qualifications and credentials.
Spiritual Capital:
The effects of spiritual and religious practices, beliefs, networks, and institutions on social, economic, and individual behavior.
Political Capital:
The trust, goodwill, and influence a person or group has in a political context. It can be used to achieve certain ends in a political arena.
Why is Capital Important?
Capital is fundamental to the functioning of economies, businesses, and societies for several reasons. In essence, capital, in its various forms, is the lifeblood of society and comes in many different forms – with monetary capital being one. Capital facilitates growth, innovation, and development, and its efficient management and allocation are crucial for sustainable progress.
- Economic Growth and Development: Capital, especially in the form of investments in machinery, technology, and infrastructure, drives economic growth. It allows for the production of goods and services at increasing scales and efficiencies, leading to higher GDP and improved living standards.
- Business Expansion: For businesses, capital is essential for expansion. Whether it’s opening new branches, launching new products, or entering new markets, capital provides the necessary resources.
- Job Creation: When businesses invest capital in new projects or expansions, they often need to hire more employees. This leads to job creation, which can reduce unemployment and boost economic activity.
- Innovation: Capital allows businesses to invest in research and development. This can lead to new technologies, products, and services that can revolutionize industries and improve quality of life.
- Risk Management: Capital acts as a buffer for businesses against unforeseen challenges. For instance, a company with sufficient capital can weather economic downturns better than one that’s under-capitalized.
- Leverage: In the financial world, capital allows individuals and businesses to leverage their positions. For example, using a small amount of one’s own money (capital) to borrow more can amplify returns on investments.
- Human Development: Human capital, which refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience of individuals, is crucial for personal and societal advancement. Investment in education, training, and health, for instance, can lead to a more skilled, productive, and healthier workforce.
- Social Cohesion: Social capital, which encompasses the networks and relationships among people in a society, promotes trust and cooperation. Societies with high social capital often experience better governance, lower crime rates, and more civic participation.
- Cultural and Symbolic Significance: Cultural and symbolic capital can influence social mobility, status, and recognition in society. For instance, possessing cultural capital (like an appreciation for art or classical music) can open doors to certain social circles and opportunities.
- Resource Allocation: Capital helps in the efficient allocation of resources. In financial markets, for example, capital flows to businesses and projects that are deemed to have the highest potential returns, ensuring that resources are used where they can be most productive.
