O PAPEL ESTRATÉGICO DO CAPITAL INTELECTUAL E FORMAÇÃO DE LIDERANÇAS PARA CIDADES INTELIGENTES: UMA ANÁLISE EM EMPRESAS DO AGRONEGÓCIO DE RIO VERDE/GO

Abstract

The economic, social, technological, and urban transformations observed in recent decades have intensified discussions on smart cities, progressively shifting the focus from technological infrastructure to the capacity of territories to promote sustainable development, innovation, and quality of life. In this context, leadership assumes a strategic role, as a city’s intelligence is achieved not solely through technology but also through the ability of organizations and their managers to mobilize knowledge, connect stakeholders, and develop solutions to increasingly complex challenges. Considering this scenario, the present study aimed to analyze the strategies and approaches adopted by agribusiness companies in Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil, to prepare their managers to operate within the context of smart cities, from the perspective of intellectual capital and leadership development. This research was conducted within the Graduate Program in Administration at the Federal Institute of Goiás and adopted a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to managers and professionals working in agribusiness organizations located in Rio Verde, Goiás. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to identify relationships among organizational training, leadership competencies, knowledge of smart cities, and preparedness to operate in intelligent environments. The findings indicate that participants possess prior knowledge of the smart city concept and recognize the importance of innovation, sustainability, and connectivity for territorial development. However, the results also reveal opportunities to strengthen structured training initiatives, particularly those focused on developing leaders capable of acting in environments characterized by digital transformation, organizational complexity, and continuous adaptation. The analyses demonstrate positive associations between professional development, leadership competencies, and perceived preparedness to operate in smart cities, reinforcing the relevance of human capital as a fundamental element in building future-oriented organizational capabilities. The results suggest that preparedness for smart cities extends beyond the technological dimension and is fundamentally associated with learning processes, competency development, and the strengthening of intellectual capital. In this regard, leadership emerges as one of the main mechanisms linking knowledge, innovation, and territorial development, indicating that organizations better prepared for contemporary challenges are those that continuously invest in developing their people and expanding their adaptive capacity. As an applied contribution, the research led to the development of an e-book, designed as a technical-technological product to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness among managers, organizations, and institutions regarding the strategic role of leadership in building smarter, more sustainable, and more connected cities. The material presents reflections, concepts, and practical experiences that bridge academic knowledge and real-world territorial demands, contributing to the strengthening of innovation ecosystems and the development of leaders prepared for the challenges of the twenty-first century.