Capital structure specificity in knowledge-intensive industries: A comparative study of EU countries
Authors:   Ph.D., Department of Corporate Finance, Faculty of Management, University of Gdańsk, ul. Armii Krajowej 101, 81-824 Sopot, Poland, Gostkowska-Drzewicka Magdalena , Koralun-Bereźnicka Julia ,   Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Corporate Finance, Faculty of Management, University of Gdańsk, ul. Armii Krajowej 101, 81-824 Sopot, Poland
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE: This paper aims to examine and compare the capital structure patterns and financial decision-making determinants of knowledge-based firms and traditional industries in selected EU countries over the period 2000–2023. The study seeks to uncover sector-specific features, focusing on the unique financial behaviors of knowledge-intensive enterprises compared to their traditional counterparts. It also explores how factors such as asset structure, profitability, and growth opportunities influence capital structure decisions within these industries, thus providing implications for financial management in innovation-driven sectors. METHODOLOGY: The methodology involves analyzing data from 12 EU countries, categorized by industry (sectors M and J for knowledge-based firms and other sectors for traditional firms) and firm size. The research applies panel data modeling to evaluate the differences and influences on capital structure within these groups. FINDINGS: The study reveals that knowledge-based firms exhibit distinct capital structure characteristics, including a higher reliance on intangible assets and lower ratios of long-term debt compared to traditional firms. Specifically, the findings indicate that intangible assets are positively correlated with total and long-term debt in knowledge-based firms, meaning that an increase in intangible asset value is associated with a corresponding increase in total and long-term debt levels. This relationship aligns with the modified pecking order theory, which posits that firms prioritize funding sources based on their perceived cost and risk. The determinants of capital structure – such as profitability and growth opportunities – also demonstrate differing impacts, revealing the unique financial strategies employed by knowledge-based firms. IMPLICATIONS: This research highlights the importance of adapting financial strategies to the specific needs of knowledge-based firms, which often face unique challenges due to their reliance on intangible assets. Policymakers can use these findings to design targeted financial policies that support the growth and sustainability of innovation-driven enterprises, such as by offering incentives for intangible asset financing or by reducing barriers to accessing long-term debt. For practitioners, the insights highlight the need to align financial decision-making with sector-specific characteristics to optimize capital structure and drive competitive advantage. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: This research makes a unique contribution by providing one of the first comparative analyses of capital structure determinants across knowledge-based and traditional firms in multiple EU countries over an extended timeframe (2000–2023). Unlike prior studies, which often focus on individual sectors or countries, this study offers a comprehensive and cross-sectoral perspective, enriching the understanding of how financial theories operate in diverse economic and institutional contexts. By addressing the financial behaviors of knowledge-intensive firms, the research bridges a critical gap in the literature and informs both academia and practice.