Concurrent Breakout Sessions 9 Breakout Sessions 12

Information is to Intelligence as Cell is to Human

Introduction

A vast literature on the subject of intelligence have come up with the simple but precise formula that intelligence equals information plus analysis. While it is true that analysis spells out the major difference between an intelligence product and merely raw information, the latter still constitutes a critical half of the intelligence equation. Apparently, as cells are the basic building blocks of the human body, information are the fundamental elements of intelligence. Therefore, the intelligence field requires an effective strategy for identifying, gathering, collecting and organizing data and basic information. Against a background of rapid technological progress around the globe, the intelligence community surely encounters boundless possibilities and significant opportunities in the ambit of information sourcing and data collection. But at the same time, it is confronted with a number of important problems and growing concerns. Firstly, how can the intelligence community deal with the massive influx of data in this era of the internet and highly-advanced information and communications technologies? In particular, what prospects and barriers exist for the intelligence professional in carrying out a successful intelligence task in this time when huge information are easily accessible to almost anyone, anytime and anywhere? Secondly, which sources, tools, software and techniques can lead to the most reliable and efficient data gathering and collection methodology? Apart from these, what other skills and instruments can better equip and enhance the intelligence professional in fruitfully identifying good sources of data and information? Lastly, who can lend support and assistance in furthering the intelligence field in this period of unprecedented information and technological advance? More importantly, how can the intelligence community tap their resources and expertise to develop better ways of finding and gathering appropriate and useful information that will ultimately result to exceptional and valuable intelligence products? Consequently, this essay provides a brief discussion on the above vital challenges facing the intelligence community at present and over the next decade or so and likewise offers a number of ideas and suggestions on how to address and tackle some of these issues.