The issue of intellectual capital and its measurement is investigated in this paper. We provide an overview of how a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach was used to investigate some characteristics of performance for joint intersectoral research and develThe issue of intellectual capital and its measurement is investigated in this paper. We provide an overview of how a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach was used to investigate some characteristics of performance for joint intersectoral research and development collaboration projects, with a specific emphasis of use of intellectual property (ie, patents) as one of the outcomes of these collaborations. Some knowledge-based factors are investigated in this paper to determine if there is a relationship between these factors and research partnership performance. Of particular focus in this paper, and focusing on the special issue topic, is whether knowledge management and knowledge goals play a role in whether these collaborations perform better or worse. The study is based on empirical data from a programme of technological policy existing in Spain, known as the Concerted Projects.[+][-]