Government sponsored competitive intelligence for regional and sectoral economic development: Canadian experiences

Abstract

Can competitive intelligence (CI) be used to assist in regional and sectoraleconomic development? This article looks at intelligence initiatives (largely around training)sponsored by various government departments and agencies in Canada and their link toregional and sectoral economic development. The article provides examples of the kind ofintelligence initiatives that have been used in Canada to support regional and sectoral(industrial) economic development. The article proposes a method for categorizing theseregional and sectoral intelligence programs and suggests methods for assessing the impact ofthese programs on regional and sectoral economic development. The Canadian programs aredivided into three broad categories 1) Government programs aimed at enhancing their ownability to develop competitive intelligence 2) Programs that are sponsored by the governmentfor industry and others to develop competitive intelligence and 3) Programs sponsored by thegovernment to help communities develop competitive intelligence for local economicdevelopment. Positive economic impacts were identified using program review documents,government officer reports and anecdotal evidence from program participant surveys. However,while the evidence does support positive impact a more comprehensive approach to evaluatingthese impacts should be considered in the future.