Strategic intelligence systems

Abstract

This paper suggests that a “strategic intelligence system” (SIS) provides the information needed by top-level decision makers. Drawing upon accounts of military and political intelligence operations, four basic areas of SIS design are specified: identification of strategic issues, data collection, integration of information obtained, and intelligence report. Basic choices in SIS organizational structure and in SIS “doctrine” are also examined. The breadth of concern with information collection and use in the intelligence literature has particular applicability to non-military and non-political organizations. Intelligence focuses attention on transferring meaning from the evironment to the strategist. It is also concerned with the way in which information collection can protect and advance the objectives of the organization.