Global experts converge at Mercyhurst to share expertise in Competitive Intelligence

Outside landscape of Old Main on a sunny day

Nine of the most recognized academics in the field of Competitive Intelligence (CI) will be at Mercyhurst University on Saturday, April 27, to share their expertise as Mercyhurst and the Strategic Consortium of Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) host the International Competitive Intelligence Panel from 10 a.m. to noon at Walker Recital Hall. 

CI centers on the ability to gather, analyze, and use information collected on competitors, customers, and other market factors that contribute to an organization’s competitive advantage. 

In the early stages of its more than 30 years of educating students in Intelligence Studies, Mercyhurst focused primarily on intelligence related to National Security and Law Enforcement. While those areas are still in high demand, Competitive Intelligence has emerged as a top field in enabling businesses to remain competitive in today’s global market.  

"This panel seeks to open discussions into the practices of Competitive Intelligence around the world,” said Brian Fuller, who directs Mercyhurst’s Center for Intelligence Research Analysis and Training (CIRAT) and chairs SCIP’s U.S.-Mid Atlantic Center of Excellence. “Our nine panelists are all respected representatives of the Competitive Intelligence landscape and offer insights into the different ways that CI is used in their respective countries. " 

The panel, which will be moderated by graduate student Holly O’Donald, includes: 

  • Jonathan Calof - Canada 
  • Luis Madureira - Portugal 
  • Nisha Sewdass - South Africa 
  • Andejs Cekuls - Latvia 
  • Amiram Markovich - Israel 
  • Jan Klakurka - Canada 
  • Robin Lobb - Canada 
  • Stoyan Tanev - Canada 
  • Qingjiu (Tom) Tao - China 

It is free and open to the public.