Research summary
In the 20th century business world, capital-intensive companies—those requiring heavy investment and large fixed assets to produce goods or services—were the driving force of the economy. But the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions focus more on creating value from idea-based solutions. Today’s businesses emphasize research, development, and innovation, with intellectual property emerging as a key asset.
Anup Srivastava, Canada Research Chair in Accounting, Decision-Making, and Capital Markets, studies the challenges and opportunities arising from these ongoing industrial revolutions. He and his research team focus on issues in accounting, financial reporting, and company valuation—areas that risk becoming less relevant in today’s environment. Their primary goal is to help directors, managers, bankers, policymakers, and investors make better decisions and ensure a fairer distribution of social benefits in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.