Strategic intelligence is more than ever an essential lever for anticipating and adapting to the rapid changes in the economic and technological environment. This article offers an updated version of the initial glossary, enriched with details that take digitalization and the new challenges of business intelligence into account.
Competitive Analysis
A process aimed at identifying and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors in a given market. In the digital age, this analysis now incorporates data from social media, web analytics tools, and specialized platforms to refine the company’s strategic positioning.
Information Asymmetry
A situation in which different actors do not have the same level of information about their shared environment. Reducing these asymmetries is crucial to enable the company to develop a comprehensive strategy, particularly by ensuring balanced data dissemination through collaborative tools.
Monitoring Audit
A systematic analysis of the monitoring systems in place within an organization. This audit evaluates the informational coverage, the efficiency of collection and dissemination channels, and identifies obstacles that may hinder the flow of information, especially in a context where the volume of digital data is exploding.
Focus Area
A specific domain or theme that is the focus of monitoring. A precise definition of the focus areas enables targeted and relevant information collection and analysis.
Benchmarking
Comparison of internal processes with those of competitors or other sectors in order to identify improvement opportunities. Today, the integration of digital tools (data analytics, interactive dashboards) enables real-time comparisons and the extraction of innovative insights.
Sensor
An element, either human or technical, responsible for collecting information signals related to a given focus area. Modern sensors also include automated solutions (web scraping, APIs, IoT) that allow continuous, real-time data collection.
Monitoring Unit
A team dedicated to researching, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating strategic information. To be effective, this unit must combine human expertise with advanced digital tools and work closely with management to align monitoring focus areas with strategic objectives.
Crisis Communication
A communication strategy prepared to respond effectively to crisis situations (disasters, bad press, strikes, etc.). This preparation, often based on active monitoring of social media and news, helps limit negative impacts on the company’s image and ensures a rapid and appropriate response.
Disinformation
The use of techniques aimed at misleading, hiding, or distorting facts. In the era of fake news, the ability to detect and analyze disinformation has become a major challenge in strategic intelligence.
Public Information
Data that is freely accessible and without restrictions, often disseminated through official or public channels.
Gray Information
Data that is legally accessible but whose dissemination is not systematically organized, which can make its detection and exploitation more complex.
Black Information
Data whose access is strictly regulated and whose dissemination is protected by legal or confidentiality constraints.
Formal Information
Structured data published on an official medium (administrative documents, reports, institutional publications, etc.), ensuring its reliability.
Informal Information
Data collected in an unstructured manner, often from discussions, interviews, or social networks. Its use requires careful verification due to its unofficial nature.
Useful Information
Relevant data that is immediately usable by its recipient, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.
Lobbying
The practice of exerting pressure by interest groups on political or economic decision-makers. Digitalization has transformed lobbying, which now also unfolds through social networks and online platforms, increasing its visibility and impact.
Observatory
A structure or system dedicated to the collection, analysis, and monitoring of data on a specific topic. Modern observatories use data visualization tools and predictive analysis to better interpret market trends.
Alert Signal
A critical indicator that triggers an in-depth strategic analysis. It enables the company to quickly detect major risks or opportunities.
Weak Signal
An early indicator signaling a change in trend. Its low intensity often requires further investigation to confirm its potential impact.
Strong Signal
An indicator confirming an established trend, thereby justifying the adoption of an appropriate response strategy.
Monitoring System
The set of human, technological, and organizational mechanisms put in place to collect, analyze, and disseminate strategic information. This system must be flexible enough to adapt to the rapid changes in the digital context.
Strategic Information System
An infrastructure that allows for the collection and processing of the information essential to building an overall strategy. The integration of artificial intelligence and big data tools today enhances the efficiency of these systems.
Monitoring
A continuous and iterative process of monitoring a company's environment to anticipate changes and guide decision-making. Monitoring relies on a combination of human expertise and digital tools to filter and analyze relevant information.
Active Monitoring
A targeted monitoring approach focused on subjects or actors identified as strategic. Thanks to automated alerts and real-time monitoring, this method allows for increased responsiveness to rapid market changes.
Passive Monitoring
A comprehensive monitoring of the environment without prior focus on specific themes. It often relies on continuous listening to information streams and the detection of anomalies or emerging signals.