Competitive intelligence and national development: the role of information professionals

Abstract

Competitive intelligence (CI) is the process of developing actionable foresight regarding competitive dynamics and non-market factors that can be used to enhance competitive advantage. It is a relevant tool for strategic decision making which in return impacts national development. Though CI is an organizational function developed for the business organizations and later expanded to other sectors in the nation’s economy, its presence in the library and information delivery is yet to be established. This in other words implies that library and information professional working in libraries, archives, resource centers, etc are yet to realize their position as Competitive Intelligent Agents. This paper showcases the place of Library and Information Science Professionals as Competitive Intelligent Agents/Managers and also highlights the various ways in which CI influences national development.Keywords: competitive intelligence, information professionals, library and information science, big data