AFRE Accounting Financial Review
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): March 2026

Accounting for digital intangible assets: A systematic review of recognition, measurement, and disclosure challenges

Karina Nurani Febriani (Department of Accounting Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas PGRI Madiun)
Elly Astuti (Department of Accounting Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas PGRI Madiun)
Elana Era Yusdita (Department of Accounting Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas PGRI Madiun)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA framework to examine the classification of intangible assets, their association with firm value, and challenges in their accounting treatment. The analysis is based on Scopus-indexed articles published between 2019 and 2024, applying criteria such as research-based content, active DOI, full-text availability, English language, and topic relevance. From an initial pool of 200 articles, 64 met all selection criteria. The findings suggest that intangible assets play a crucial role in firm value within a knowledge-driven digital economy. These assets include intellectual capital, social capital, and digital resources such as data and algorithms, which support innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. However, current accounting practices face limitations in recognizing, measuring, and disclosing these assets, particularly those related to digital transformation. This study contributes by integrating traditional and digital perspectives on intangible asset accounting and highlighting their strategic importance. Methodologically, it demonstrates a structured and replicable SLR approach combining bibliometric and thematic analysis. Practically, the findings provide insights for companies, investors, and practitioners in managing and reporting intangible assets, while emphasizing the need for more adaptive accounting standards to reflect the evolving nature of digital assets.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

afr

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Accounting and Financial Review (AFRe), is a publication of Graduate School Program, University of Merdeka Malang. The journal is an article published continuously which is intended not only as a place to share ideas, study, and analysis but also as an information channel to improve and develop ...