Concurrent Breakout Sessions 9 Breakout Sessions 12

Conclusion

There are some issues and concerns arising with regard to the collection and organization of data and information for the purpose of intelligence during this period of rapid technological growth. Against a background of too many accessible but not necessarily dependable physical and electronic sources, highly-sophisticated information tools and varied communication methods, this essay identifies three important challenges facing the intelligence community now and in the years to come, namely: (1) how to carefully identify, choose, access, evaluate and utilize reliable and accurate information and their sources, (2) how to further improve data sourcing, collection, sharing and storage techniques, and (3) how to explore new resources and tap outside specialists to help in developing more and more intricate systems of information gathering, interpretation and safekeeping. To respond to such challenges, the intelligence community should at the outset be experienced and well-versed on recent innovations in the information and communications fields as well as in other scientific and engineering disciplines. It must adequately build its capacity and competence in utilizing new developments in these areas to continuously enhance its data sourcing and collection processes. At the same time, it should maintain its resourcefulness, imaginativeness and creative nature to also gather and find information via other non-mechanized and unconventional ways. Next, the intelligence community must exploit the capabilities of modern technical instruments like highly-developed imagery systems, electronic and communication apparatuses, computerized tools and software packages and the ever evolving internet to improve and expand its data gathering activities. On the other hand, it should also develop its know-how in other subjects such as regional languages, global political systems and world cultures to encompass a broader resource of raw data and basic information. Finally, the intelligence community should reach out to experts in the scientific and other specialized domains to become more responsive and well-prepared for the latest advancements in the field of information collection and organization. Accordingly, it must foster strong ties and partnerships with businesses, industries and academic institutions which can undoubtedly provide ample support, guidance, resources as well as new perspectives and direction. By imbibing some of the foregoing suggestions, the intelligence community can most likely fulfill its mandate much effectively and successfully and likewise be able to nourish its competitiveness and ascendancy in this current era of information and technological revolution.

As a final point, while this paper strongly focuses on the importance of the data sourcing and gathering aspect of the intelligence process, it does not in any way discount the relevance of its analysis component. Of course, analysis remains to be a critical part of the entire intelligence cycle and may even be the defining factor for the efficiency and usefulness of any intelligence product. Nonetheless, it is still worth emphasizing the significance of the information collection process since no effective intelligence output (no matter how thorough and brilliant the analysis procedure is) can ensue in the absence of any adequate and reliable information. After all, information is to intelligence as what cell is to human. And as good and strong cells result to a healthy person, only proper and coherent information can lead to a sound and viable intelligence product.