Given the proliferation of research and interest in social capital over the past decades, it is easy to lose track that a fundamental aspect of social capital is “capital”.  As the concept of social capital has evolved to include elements of civic participation, norms of trust and reciprocity, and shared community norms and values; it is easy to lose track that a defining element of social capital is that it is a form of capital that can be used to productive use.  This webinar will seek to achieve two goals. First, it will examine the empirical and conceptual dynamics of “capital-centered” social capital research. Second, it will explain how theoretical understandings of social capital impact utilitarian ends.  Special attention will be directed to how social capital contributes to economic enterprises and the complex role of social capital in economic development. Empirical research on social capital and economic development in a range of contexts will be discussed with a goal of informing management and public policy.