The research concludes with some observations and suggestions based on the findings:

• Regarding the large range of terminology in intangible asset reporting one solution could be the use of digital reporting such as Core & More reporting
• An expense disclosure approach would require mandating specified categories to ensure disclosure
• Capitalizing currently expensed intangible-related activities would reduce but not eliminate the information gap
• Aligning intangible asset fair value criteria to IFRS 13 might be a relatively low-cost solution to reduce the information gap
• Disclosure of unrecognized intangibles would also provide a better understanding of capitalized intangible assets

As a solution to the current unsatisfying reporting of intangibles two measures were suggested for intangibles with partial markets: Allowing the revaluation model as an accounting policy choice and allowing estimation of fair value under IFRS 13 along with appropriate disclosures of judgments and estimates. To achieve this, the IASB could amend IAS 38 to provide alternative criteria to “active market” such as “freely transferable” and “commonly traded”. The IASB could develop indicators to assist entities in determining whether the revaluation model policy choice was available. A longer-term project could be to consider measurement for “unique” intangibles referred to in IAS 38

Access the research on the SSRN website.