Competitor Intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry; the role of the information professional

Abstract

This paper deals with the provision of Competitor Intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry, with specific ref erence to the role of "formal" information services. The nature of Competitor Intelligence in general is outlined, and the means for its provision are reviewed. The particular significance of Competitor Intelligence for the pharmaceutical industry is discussed, and the most important sources are described. The results of a survey, based around semi-struc tured interviews, of ten information units providing Competi tor Intelligence to British pharmaceutical companies are pre sented. The survey identifies the organisation of intelligence provision, its place in the organisation, sources used, means of information analysis and dehvery, and use of technology. The significance of the results for the information professional is discussed.