Expert Talks: Automation and outsourcing of Competitive Intelligence work (CI 2.0) - Facilitator: Johannes Deltl (D)

This panel discussion was visited much better than anticipated and discussions revolved around issues like legality of electronic spidering and data collection, positioning of the various automation and outsourcing solutions as well as predictions and trends or even day-dreams about the maximum competitive intelligence solution.

Markko Vaarnas, CEO of the Global Intelligence Alliance pointed out his views of the IT solutions landscape that entails web based news clippings and repository functions, Business Intelligence solutions and data collection and presentation which was supported by all panellists.

The major take-away for me was that any outsourcing or automation attempt should be solely based on strong and well defined competitive intelligence key performance indicators and established in concert with all other solutions and activities. Small steps are advisable as is a firm and pro-active follow-up process.