Competitive intelligence: A research model tested on Portuguese firms

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the practices of economic intelligence used by Portuguese firms and to identify the attributes that may increase the probability of their adoption. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was designed and addressed to the CEOs of Portuguese firms. The authors used the mixed logit method to select a number of significant variables that influence the use of economic intelligence by firms in the sample. Findings: From the results, the authors concluded that firm size, information and environmental scanning connected to the markets, social networks, economic diplomacy and public policies, namely clusters and industrial policies in the context of competitive intelligence, were some of the attributes relevant in this study. It is concluded that the probability of firms adopting competitive intelligence practices lies in two spheres: in orientations of business policy and strategy and in public policies that improve business context in the perspective of competitive intelligence. Research limitations/implications: The different categories of attributes that explain the existence of economic intelligence practices are relatively limited when compared with studies made outside Portugal. This derives from specific factors tied to Portuguese entrepreneurial culture. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the literature on this area of research. One of the innovations introduced here was the design of a conceptual model proposal integrating business and public policy approaches connected to the competitive intelligence and, consequently, the capacity to formulate entrepreneurial strategies and public policies geared for the adoption of competitive intelligence procedures.