Copyrights and human capital as the determinants of accounting development

Melania Bąk

Abstract

The practical application of accounting, its focus on practical goals, as well as the origins and development of accounting ‘from common knowledge to scientific knowledge’ represent the main prerequisites allowing to define accounting as a practical science. Its development depends on many factors including intangible assets (e.g., copyrights, human resources and human capital). The purpose of the article is to analyse the role played by the broadly approached intangible assets in the process of accounting development as a practical science, both in its scientific and practical dimension, based on the case of copyrights and human capital. Authors’ entitlements in the form of personal copyrights protect them and also create a scientific personality and human capital in the scientific/accounting environment. Both copyrights and human capital establish the identity of accounting, its image and reputation.