Purpose – The main purpose of this research is to analyse the impact of the intellectual capital on the competitiveness in the SMEs manufacturing in Mexico. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this investigation is developing a theoretical construct to determine the correlation between intellectual capital and competitiveness, and find the most relevant factors that impacts it. To determine the variables involved in this research, were analysed for the intellectual capital: the information obtained, intellectual capital developed and learning and feedback; and the competitiveness with other three factors: Financial Performance, Costs Reduction and Technology Use. The questionnaire was designed considering the competitiveness as dependant variable, and as independent variable the intellectual capital. Using the Likert scale in order to determine the degree of agreement or disagreement, and the survey was applied to 420 SMEs. The results were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha and subsequently structural equation models (SEM). Originality/value – This study shows the effects of the dimensions of intellectual capital that are directly impacting the competitiveness of SMEs, these factors influence a lesser or greater degree, so that each factor of the dependent and independent variables should be analysed separately to propose improvements in implementing CI to seek higher level of competitiveness. Practical implications – The results obtained measure the level of correlation between the variables in study, hence to design the strategies and key factors needed to integrate the intellectual capital and develop competitive synergies in the SMEs manufacturing.