Private sector intelligence: on the long path of professionalization

Abstract

Private sector intelligence is on its way to professionalization, but the road is a long one and the destination is uncertain. Studies of intelligence professionalization have not yet systematically analyzed private sector intelligence, a field that focuses on mitigating geopolitical and security risk and supporting decision-making. This paper leverages the author’s extensive empirical research of private sector intelligence with reference to five key pillars of professionalization: a shared identity, knowledge advancement, training and education, a code of ethics, and certification. The article concludes with implications for professionalizing private sector intelligence and proposes further research on this understudied field.