Course in Competitive Intelligence and Technological Vigilance (online)

What is Competitive Intelligence?

Competitive Intelligence is the process of obtaining, analysing, interpreting and diffusing information with strategic value concerning the industry and competitors, which is presented to those responsible for making decisions at the appropriate moment. (Gibbonsy Prescott)

What is Technological Vigilance?

It consists of observing and analysing the scientific and technological environment and present and future economic impact in order to identify threats and opportunities. (François Jakobiak)

What benefits do they provide for companies?

Competitive Intelligence and Technological Vigilance have become some of the most highly thought of ways of gathering external information, and have become a key part of the strategic management process.

Currently 45% of multinationals have a competitive research system, generally linked to the marketing or R&D department.

The growing demand for this type of activity is a result of the pressure from global competition, the importance of innovation, technology, and knowledge for business success, and the large volume of information that needs to be interpreted. Both companies and public bodies increasingly need to manage their information resources in a more strategic, effective and quicker manner.

The Course in Competitive Intelligence and Technological Vigilance (online) provides basic and advanced knowledge of information management and the management of a company's intelligence department by enhancing the following skills:

• Developing specific skills regarding the essential elements of the process of acquiring and transmitting information on a company's competitive environment.

• Learning analytical techniques for defining the blind spots that could give rise to threats from current and potential competitors.

• Strengthening specific sources that provide constant vigilance of the development of the environment and the competition.

• Learning how to correctly respond to strategic intelligence, business and operational requests from decision makers.

• Define the key elements that allow a company to establish a competitive intelligence department.

The Course in Competitive Intelligence and Technological Vigilance (online) is aimed at professionals who already work in a competitive intelligence unit within a company or who are involved in establishing this type of system in any type of organisation. It is also useful for professionals who are involved in monitoring business environments and strategies.

Potential candidates may include:

• Market Research Managers

• Marketing Managers

• Support personnel involved in a company's strategic planning

• Those in charge of scientific and technical information and technological vigilance

• IT System Managers (webmasters)

• Those responsible for knowledge management

• Corporate Information Officers

• Company Directors who wish to gain a better understanding of the potential of competitive intelligence