RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC–(EMWNews – July 31, 2008) – A new study released by industry

leader Cutting Edge Information finds that competitive intelligence

departments are now fully dedicated at 62% of pharmaceutical companies.

The study, “Pharmaceutical Competitive Intelligence: Expanding the Role and

Reach of CI,” finds that not only are CI departments becoming wholly

dedicated, but they are also taking on more strategically integrated roles

at their companies (www.pharmacompetitiveintelligence.com).

Companies of all sizes are adapting their strategies when it comes to

competitive intelligence. Smaller companies are now beginning to formalize

competitive intelligence activities through firmly established

communication lines, if not through fully centralized departments. The

largest companies are moving toward centralized, global-level groups that

offer strategic value beyond the data that they collect.

According to Cutting Edge Information’s research, although the CI function

certainly has room for growth — most departments still consist of fewer

than 10 individuals — it is well on its way to becoming a mature,

influential department.

“A decade ago, the concept of having a fully dedicated CI department was a

new idea,” says David Richardson, lead author of the study. “Now at many

companies, the CI function is a fully integrated function that plays a

vital role in developing and executing market strategies.”

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. It focuses on these topics:

--  Structuring for Success - provides details on CI structures, including

    global-level reporting lines and placements; ways in which CI teams trumpet

    their successes and create CI cultures; and the career paths laid out to

    make CI teams breeding grounds for future pharma leaders

--  Resourcing for Growth - reveals CI department-level budgets and

    staffing; brand-level phase-by-phase spending and staffing; which groups

    fund CI; and how companies demonstrate ROI on CI

--  Increasing CI's Reach - Examines how companies communicate their

    strategic value to internal clients and the resources and tools for

    collecting CI