Pharmaceutical Competitive Intelligence Groups More Globally Structured

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - May 22, 2008) - Pharmaceutical competitive intelligence groups are becoming more globally focused, rather than being contained within each region in which a company is active, according to a new report by Cutting Edge Information. The report, "Pharmaceutical Competitive Intelligence: Expanding the Role and Reach of CI," examines the evolution of the CI function and reveals that companies are pursuing this structure for many reasons (www.pharmacompetitiveintelligence.com).

Top pharmaceutical companies are finding a global CI group to be more efficient, as poor or nonexistent communication among therapeutically aligned CI groups means expensive work is needlessly duplicated. A single global group is more likely to share best practices, resources, and information, even if CI staff is therapeutically aligned within the global group. Competitive intelligence groups that are globally aligned are also more likely to use standardized practices, which ensure that all therapeutic areas within the company receive the same high-quality research.

A global alignment also allows the CI group to play a more strategic role in marketing decisions for brands. "Companies increasingly depend on global CI groups to go beyond compiling data and instead provide forward-thinking strategic analysis. Marketing strategies are also considered globally in the case of many top brands, and solid market analysis is required for the development of these strategies," said David Richardson, lead author of the report. "A globally aligned CI department is best positioned to deliver this analysis."

The 116-page report examines CI team structures, phase-by-phase spending and staffing, and strategies for improvement. Compiled from surveys and interviews with executives at leading companies, the report enables CI teams to achieve success.

A summary of the report is available for download here: http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/pharmacompetitiveintelligence/PH110_Download.asp#body

Contact Information: CONTACT INFORMATION: David Richardson 919-433-0216