ASSESSMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT LEVELS IN COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE AND TECHNOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE IN THE BEEF PRODUCTION CHAIN

Abstract

This research paper presents a novel methodology for analyzing and evaluating the competitive and technological levels of the beef production chain in the Atlántico Department in Colombia. Based on the literature review associated with Competitive Intelligence, 31 factors systematized in the dimensions of Commercial Intelligence, Competitor Intelligence, Technical and Technological Intelligence, Social Environment Intelligence, and Strategic Intelligence were identified and validated with a Content Validity Index of 0.893. Cluster analysis was used to identify and characterize the characteristic profiles of cattle farms and processing plants associated with the beef production chain. As a main result, a methodology was structured based on the analysis of clusters and five dimensions of competitive intelligence that discriminate competitive groups and technological development in the sector. The obtained results from this research make it possible to identify weaknesses and strengths in the beef production chain for potential improvement. The evaluation of the methodology effectiveness is confirmed by the identification of five characteristic profiles that were evaluated in terms of their competitive level and technological development concerning the dimensions of competitive intelligence and that can be used for the design and creation of improvement routes for each competitive and technology profile, the design of public policies for developing the production chain and, above all, for the analysis and development of other production chains.