We are looking for comments and suggestions regarding the development of a body of knowledge for the field of competitive intelligence.

I would like to see the next version

John, this is excellent. My name is Pieter, and I am also on the CI Ning network. In 2007 I started to create a body of knowledge (now going into a wiki) of CI customised for our company community. Over time I will be priveledged to have our CI community contribute to this great effort of yours. My personal focus is in two areas, and I would like to venture that they should feature prominently in such a BOK, since either of them gone wrong can have negative effects:

1. The effective management of CI, knowing that it is a potential area of controversy. Taking any risks into account of over-formalisation and bureaucracy, my focus is establishing whatever is appropriate and required in four areas of the business management concept: lead and direct (e.g. strategy, policy, culture), enablement (systems and tools, people, training, etc.), delivery (the different intelligence processes, analysis, delivery, and especially use), and measurement & analysis & improvement.

2. The analytical process.

In terms of point 2., I have found the work done by CIA and RAND to be of great value (e.g. psychology of intelligence analysis, etc.). Their work also touches on many culture and management issues. At a recent presentation by intelligence officials in the South African government, it was enlightening for me to see some of the similarities between the government and private sector in terms of e.g. the need of some level of governance and assurance. So I would very much like to see the CI BOK to incorporate the best appropriate learnings from other security and intelligence (as well as management) fields and research that would help in "sorting out the above two issues"! Well, as far as they can be sorted out!