Final version Intelligence cycle

Analysis and evaluation

Decision making and execution

Dissemination of results

Planning

Search and capture

Intelligence cycle and SIBILA

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Introduction video

UNIT 3 Standards & References

UNIT 2 The intelligence cycle

Introduction Technology Watch & Competitive Intelligence (TW&CI)

Module 1

TOPIC 1 The CEN/TS 16555-2 european standard and ISO 56006:2021

TOPIC 1 The intelligence cycle and its steps

TOPIC 1 Why is TW&CI necessary for SMEs ? Vocabulary clarification

UNIT 1 Introduction to strategic intelligence

Introduction video

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Identification of strategic intelligence / TW&CI needs

Module 2

TOPIC 2 Example of mindmapping

TOPIC 1 Principles of mindmapping and examples of mindmapping tools

TOPIC 2 Define the watch topics according to the challenges

UNIT 1 Establish the process for the identification of the needs

TOPIC 1 Methodology to identify the needs of information according to the challenges faced

UNIT 2 Tools to map the needs

Introduction video

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Module 3

TOPIC 1 National specific sources for textile and furniture sectors

Gathering the information

UNIT 4 Case study on gathering information

TOPIC 1 European specific sources for textile and furniture sectors

TOPIC 2 RSS feeds and agregator

TOPIC 1 Booleans

TOPIC 2 External sources

UNIT 1 The different types of sources

TOPIC 1 Internal sources

UNIT 3 Specific information sources for textile & furniture industry

UNIT 2 The different tools used to collect online information

Introduction video

Module 4

Information analysis, valuation and outcomes

UNIT 4 Case study on decision making

TOPIC 4 Regular monitoring

TOPIC 3 Analysis of market players

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TOPIC 2 Improvement via innovation

TOPIC 1 Forward planning and opportunities

TOPIC 2 CRAAP test

TOPIC 1 Qualitative and quantitative analysis

TOPIC 4 Benchmark methodology

TOPIC 3 PORTER matrix

TOPIC 2 PESTEL matrix

UNIT 1 Analysis methods & tools

TOPIC 1 SWOT matrix

UNIT 3 Outcomes : different types of decision in innovation or development projects

UNIT 2 Validation of the quality of the information gathered

Dive into technological watch & competitive intelligence (TW&CI) !

This is the entrance to the Technology Watch and Competitive Intelligence, a key tool to ensure the success and competitiveness of a company. In Unit 1, you will discover how collection of information about your competitors, market opportunities, new regulations, financial and tax news, economic and political issues, among others, can help you in understanding your own market position and serves also to boost your company. In this context, in the first unit you will learn about the benefits of TW&CI for your company and the reasons to start to be interested in implement it. You will also find the challenges to be faced nowadays, such as– market changes, lack of skilled workforce, opportunities in sector networks etc. Unit 1.2 offers a detailed description of the intelligence circle. You will have a first idea on the necessary steps for a successful implementation of a TW&CI strategy. Within the implementation of a technology watch strategy, you will need to select, organize, analyse, and communicate data and information that will support you on decision making and anticipate future trends. The TW&CI process is covered by standards and regulations that facilitate the management of innovation processes and strategic intelligence in organizations. In Unit 1.3 you will learn that there are two key standards that are similar in content, but each offers its part in the process of innovation management and strategic intelligence in organization. Now, it's time to dive in and discover what is the Technology Watch and Competitive Intelligence and how to start its implementation in you company. We hope you enjoy this module and find it enriching

Analyze, evaluate, and uncover the outcomes of your information

Once we have identified and gathered all the information relating the watch plan, we will see in this module how to analyze the information. Subsequently, the watcher must analyze the information in order to find answers to the challenges. This module provides a comprehensive overview of the most effective methods and tools for information analysis. You will become familiar with SWOT, PESTEL, and Porter's matrixes, as well as learn how to develop a benchmark for analyzing and evaluating gathered information. The course also delves into techniques for validating the quality of the collected information. By completing this module, you will attain a thorough understanding of qualitative and quantitative analysis, with a particular focus on integrating diverse sources, assessing their relevance for decision-making, and understanding the implications of the information. Additionally, you will be introduced to the CRAAP test, which serves to assess the reliability of information. Module 4 also covers various types of decision-making in innovation and project development, with the aim of enhancing innovation management and minimizing risks as part of competitive intelligence. You will learn about forward planning and identifying opportunities to effectively manage risks. Additionally, the module explores techniques for innovation improvement, analysis of market players, and continuous monitoring as part of technology watch to proactively identify new technological or market opportunities for the organization while disregarding those with limited potential. To solidify your knowledge gained from this module, you will be given the opportunity to engage in a practical case study.

Gather as much information as you can

Once we have identified the information needs, information must be gathered and then the sources, tools and types of information must be understood. This is what Module 3 is about. In Unit 1 you will have the opportunity to know the different types of sources of information. While internal sources are those generated within an organisation, external sources are obtained from outside an organisation. Once the theoretical basis is clear, Unit 2 will provide a comprehensive overview on the different tools to collect information online. You will delve into the use of free advanced Boolean search operators, as well as the main research and monitoring tools, such as RSS feeds and aggregators. Throughout the course, you will learn about VINCI, a practical example of a tool for a systematic technology watch process. By completing Unit 3, you will have learnt about the main European and national information sources that are relevant to the textile and furniture industries, such as specialised databases, sector-specific journals, associations and research institutes, among others. To consolidate the knowledge of this module, you will be given the opportunity to carry out a practical case study in the final unit 3.

Identify your company’s Needs

In Module 2, we're going to learn about how to understand and meet the needs of information of small and medium-sized businesses. This knowledge is critical for effective decision-making and long-term success in the realm of strategic business development. In the first Unit, we'll explore different ways of identifying, organizing, and addressing the distinctive information needs of SMEs. To establish this process of needs identification, a methodology will be proposed according to the challenges faced by SMEs. This will guide towards more informed and effective decision-making process. Also, this unit will depict the way of defining the watch topics and questions according to the challenges in order to plan the watch. In order to map the needs of information, the practice of mind mapping will be explained in the second unit. Mind mapping is a powerful visual tool used to organize complex information, enabling clarity and comprehension. We'll delve into the principles of mind mapping and explore various tools for its effective application. An illustration of mind mapping used to map information needs wille be presended through a case study. Throughout this module the knowledge and skills gained here will enable workers to support SMEs in making informed and strategic decisions, ultimately contributing to their growth and success in today's dynamic business world.