Part I: Competitive intelligence: How independent information professionals contribute to organizational success

Abstract

The article focuses on how independent information professionals (IIP) can provide value for competitive intelligence research. An IIP offers objectivity on top of a familiarity with the types of sources required for competitive intelligence. It is considered that a competent IIP is familiar with a wide range of sources that they have used. Independent information professionals can also provide real competitive value as they offer data that may be missed by those companies that refuse outsource competitive intelligence research.