The article is dedicated to the problem of assessing the intellectual capital of higher education institutions at the present stage of development of the Russian economy. The role of the intellectual capital of a higher education institution in the development of entrepreneurship in the country is analyzed. The authors identified the factors hindering the efficient use of intellectual capital, as well as the internal and external economic factors which predetermine the need to assess the intellectual capital of a higher education institution. The term “intellectual capital of a higher education institution” was analyzed; and the authors’ interpretation of it was formulated. The paper provides an extended classification of the intellectual capital of a higher education institution. It suggests a comprehensive system of indicators to assess the intellectual capital of a higher education institution by the elements of intellectual capital and strategic objectives of the higher education institution.