The role of the State |Why should the State be involved in the competitive intelligence process when many companies have the necessary capacities ? Should we follow the example of the American federal government which, according to Robert Gates (CIA director from 1991 to 1993), dedicates 40% of its intelligence resources to competitive intelligence ? Beyond its specific importance in the economy, with direct control of 45% of the national wealth, the State has to ensure the protection of public security and competitive security along the same lines as national defense. With this sovereignty mission, beyond the strict domain of defense and armament, "the strategist State" must recognize the sectors whose development is essential for the development of our economy, notably in high technologies. The legitimacy of a public policy of competitive intelligence is also based on the State’s sovereign powers and their structuring influence : legislation, technical standards, market regulations and international negotiations are all tools that can be used to set the rules for the competitive game. The State is at the heart of competitive intelligence, playing the role of "reducer of uncertainties", by taking a view that is generally more forward looking than that of the market. It can thus not only give the market “signals”, but also relative security in the medium-term. An additional justification for the State’s action can be found in the need to give all of our companies the means to compete on a level playing field. While multinational firms have the means to undertake competitive intelligence, this is not the case of our 2,300,000 SMEs (small and medium-sized companies) which are often the driving force for innovation and the principal source of job creation. There should be no ambiguity as to the role of the State : supporting and protecting French companies does not mean protectionism or unfair practices. Protectionism is not only contrary to our interests, it is unimaginable in the context of our commitments within the European Union and internationally. As for suspicions of reprehensible actions, they must be resolutely eliminated by affirming that competitive intelligence in France is done in a strict respect for national and international rules. |