Structure of the CCIR Program

The CCIR program comprises 6 modules designed to build an expert knowledge in competitive intelligence research.

Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.

This intensive certificate program will sharpen your skills and optimize your research approach. Participants will learn how to obtain and analyze valuable intelligence from events and social media, how to protect and defend intellectual property rights, and how to excel in knowledge management.

Module 1: Trade Show and Event Intelligence 

Business trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, road shows, and other similar events offer unique opportunities to collect information about competitors, suppliers, customers, and key opinion leaders. To successfully exploit events, you need to design collection plans. Processing and validation of findings are then mandatory. This workshop will provide you with the necessary professional skills and techniques!

Module 2: Social Media Research & Analysis for Competitive / Market Intelligence

This workshop provides a deep-dive into social media sources. You will learn how to identify, retrieve, process, and validate critical intelligence. Beyond relevant content, you will be able to identify valuable quantitative and qualitative patterns and signals from the digital noise – typically generating opportunities and avoiding risks from your competitive environment.

Module 3: Patent and Intellectual Property Intelligence and Defense 

Intellectual property (IP), such as patents or trademarks, are powerful economic assets and require protection in order for them to remain a powerful competitive tool. This workshop will provide you with the necessary professional skills and knowledge to analyze various types of IP and obtain the best possible protection for your company's intellectual property. Learn how to interpret competitors’ IP strategies as one element of strategy implementation and develop ideas on how to pre-empt competitors’ moves.

Module 4: Knowledge Management to Improve Competitive / Market Intelligence Processes

Intellectual capital is an extremely valuable asset and Competitive Intelligence professionals especially can gain a competitive advantage by retrieving tacit and organizational knowledge and expertise from their peers. You will learn about the principles of knowledge management and how to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing within your CI/MI community.

Module 6 Projects

A critical element of the CCIR program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module

Module 6 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.

Benefits

• Earn a University Certificate of Advanced Studies degree including 10 credit points (CP) according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
• Our comprehensive and proven blended learning concept consists of in-class trainings and supervised on-line modules. Your learning success as well as our educational quality are our priorities.
• Profound competitive intelligence education.
• Learn how to use advanced sources for information and data collection. Your research performance will greatly benefit from a comprehensive base.
• Harness social media for advanced intelligence.
• Defend your company’s IP (Intellectual Property) and enjoy exploiting the know-how via knowledge management methodologies.
• Acquire the critical competences sought after by employers.
• International certificate perspective – enjoy courses around the globe.
• The CCIR is part of ICI’s flagship program “Certificate of Proficiency in Competitive Intelligence (CPCI)”.
• ICI’s certificate alumni receive discounts to further certificates and ICI’s conferences.

Amied at

• Competitive/Market Intelligence Analysts and Managers
• Market Researchers, especially for B2B markets
• Technology scouts/analysts
• Business innovators
• Entrepreneurs

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A dedicated helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.

Structure of the CCIA Program

The CCIM program comprises 6 modules designed to build an expert knowledge in competitive intelligence Management.

Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.

Module 1: Design and Operation of In-house CI Centers 

How to set up and manage a CI Center (sometimes called “war room”) to increase efficiency and optimize the "return on intelligence"? Afterall, an in-house center operates as THE hub for data collection, analysis, and distribution of competitive and market intelligence in a corporation. This workshop will run you through the design and implementation phases. Use the 8 critical success factors to effectively manage competitive/market intelligence in order to support real-time decision-making and enhance your company’s competitiveness.

Module 2:Counterintelligence Essentials 

Information is a valuable company asset, and in times of fierce competition businesses need to protect their information, hardware, Intellectual Property, and systems against the threat of corporate espionage. This counterintelligence workshop looks at the different forms of potential attacks, threats, and ways in which businesses can protect and secure their assets.

Module 3: Ethical Information Warfare 

Information warfare is a strategic approach to communication involving the development of ideas and opinions in order to change behavior within the market environment. Valuable intelligence can be used to gain an edge over your competition that influences customers, suppliers, and industry experts. This Information Warfare workshop looks at the principles of this approach and how it can be applied ethically – and how attacks against your company can be mastered.

Module 4: Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 

In ever-changing and fierce competitive environments, critical thinking is key to out-maneuvering the competition, improving the quality of intelligence analysis, and injecting creativity into problem-solving processes. The Critical and Creative Thinking workshop will provide you and your CI unit with the necessary professional skills and techniques for generating and testing hypotheses, structuring problems, generating ideas, and thinking out of the box.

Module 5: Competitive Technology Intelligence - CTI 

In today's fast-paced competitive environment, technological innovations can be fundamental to business success. Sound competitive technology intelligence enables companies to identify where technology can deliver a competitive advantage in areas such as marketing, product design, and R&D, hence it is a must-do task for any Competitive Intelligence Center (CIC). Learn how to monitor the technical environment, identify technological developments, assess the potential of new technologies, and analyze their effect upon the business, customers, and competitors.

Module 6 Projects

A critical element of the CCIM program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module

Module 6 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.

Benefits

• Earn a University Certificate of Advanced Studies degree including 10 credit points (CP) according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
• Our comprehensive and proven blended learning concept consists of in-class trainings and supervised on-line modules. Your learning success as well as our educational quality are our priorities.
• Profound competitive intelligence education.
• Learn how to establish a powerful CI unit, which will become an essential part of your company’s activities.
• Help to defend your company’s assets as well as its Intellectual Property.
• Identify and counter information warfare attacks.
• Integrate technology intelligence in your company’s road maps.
• Facilitate creativity and critical thinking initiatives that will increase the quality and impact of intelligence for decision-making.
• Acquire the critical competences sought after by employers.
• International certificate perspective – enjoy courses around the globe.
• The CCIM is part of ICI’s flagship program “Certificate of Proficiency in Competitive Intelligence (CPCI)”.
• ICI’s certificate alumni receive discounts to further certificates and ICI’s conferences.

Aimed at

• Managers of CI/MI units
• Managers of market research units
• Competitive/Market Intelligence Analysts
• Management/Strategy Consultants
• Market researchers

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A dedicated helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.

Structure of the CCIA Program

The CCIA program comprises 6 modules designed to build an expert knowledge in competitive intelligence analysis.

Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.

Module 1: Financial Analysis Fundamentals for Competitive / Market Intelligence Professionals 

Financial analysis provides invaluable insight in a competitor’s past performance as well as potential future strategy execution. Learn to analyze financial statements from an outside-in perspective. A financial simulation of the future financial situation of your competitors will shed light on strength, weaknesses, and potential strategic moves.

Module 2: Strategic Foresight Through Scenario Mapping 

Generate strategic foresight with the powerful, universally employable scenario analysis approach. This methodology will allow your company to assess the future of your industry, potential technological advancements, and competitor landscapes. You’ll learn how to choose alternative scenario approaches, hence allowing you to artfully develop appropriate scenarios.

Module 3: Strategic Foresight with Early Warning Systems 

Fed up by being surprised by competitor activities, technologies, and industry trends? This workshop will help you to set up an agile early warning system for defense and attack! You’ll master scanning of weak signals and how to motivate peers to become part of your company’s early warning system.

Module 4: Intelligence Mind Traps and Cognitive Biases 

Beyond the skillful application of analytical frames, you need to avoid the many intelligence analysis traps, sometimes referred to as cognitive biases. Learn how to set up quality processes for your analysis work to ensure meaningful intelligence. Use critical thinking approaches to increase both the quality and impact of your findings. Furthermore, this workshop will help you to communicate more efficiently with your intelligence audience!

Module 5 Projects

A critical element of the CCIA program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module

Module 6 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.

Benefits

• Earn a University Certificate of Advanced Studies degree including 10 credit points (CP) according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
• Our comprehensive and proven blended learning concept consists of in-class trainings and supervised on-line modules. Your learning success as well as our educational quality are our priorities.
• Profound competitive intelligence education.
• Learn to master the strategic foresight tools “scenario planning” and “early warning”.
• Analyze financial statements with respect of your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.
• Avoid intelligence blunders and erroneous analysis results by implementing quality processes and critical thinking frames.
• You’ll develop a new analytical mindset. Overviews of further analytical frames and intense class discussions with your peers will broaden your knowledge beyond the agenda of this program.
• The CCIA counts towards ICI’s flagship program “Certificate of Proficiency in Competitive Intelligence (CPCI)”.
• ICI’s Certificate Alumni receive discounts to further certificates and ICI’s conferences.

Aimed at

• Competitive/Market Analysts and Managers
• Market Researchers
• Strategic Foresight Analysts
• Assistants to CEOs and Heads of Business Units
• Management Consultants
• Product/Service Managers

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A dedicated helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.

Structure of the CCS Program

The CCS program comprises 6 modules designed to build foundational knowledge and advanced competencies.

Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.

Module 1: Analysis of Competitor Strategies (ICI-21)

A solid understanding of your competitors’ strategy is a must-have for any business strategist or product manager. This workshop introduces a proven strategy re-engineering approach. Once implemented in your competitor monitoring process, it will become the core element for understanding past competitor activities and predicting future activities.

Module 2: Business War Gaming Techniques (ICI-30)

War Games are artfully-designed simulations of a specific competitive situation. Teams of colleagues will act-out these engagements under the supervision and guidance of a jury and a facilitator. War Games can be a unique source of inspiration and insight, especially when it comes to assessing and predicting competitor behaviors, strengths and weaknesses.

During this workshop, you’ll be exposed to several War Game formats. Experience hands-on War Game assignments, which will enable you to identify the optimal War Gaming approach for your business challenges.

Module 3: Strategic Market Analysis & Intelligence (ICI-31)

How do markets evolve over time? What are the critical factors impacting market volume and potential? Where can you find relevant information that will help you to build a market model and provide inputs for your calculations?

In this workshop, you’ll tackle a real-life business case study in order to provide answers to these challenging questions!

Module 4: Development of Dynamic Corporate Strategies (ICI-33)

What does it take to develop successful dynamic strategies for businesses and products? This workshop reviews contemporary strategy development frames and guides you through the steps to design your own strategy development process. Various CI approaches that are taught in other ICI modules are called upon in this workshop. Your final challenge on this program is to develop a competitive strategy - here you can combine your comprehensive knowledge and skillful application of methodologies!

Module 5 Projects

A critical element of the CCS program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module

Module 6 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.

Benefits

• Earn a University Certificate of Advanced Studies degree including 12 credit points (CP) according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
• Our comprehensive and proven blended learning concept consists of in-class trainings and supervised on-line modules. Your learning success as well as our educational quality are our priorities.
• Pofound competitive Intelligence education.
• Master contemporary business strategy frames.
• Predict competitors’ strategic moves and implement a strategy monitoring process.
• You’ll develop a new strategic mindset. Intense in-class discussions will broaden your knowledge beyond the agenda of this program.
• Acquire the critical competences sought after by employers.
• International certificate perspective – enjoy courses around the globe.
• The CCS is part of ICI’s flagship program “Certificate of Proficiency in Competitive Intelligence (CPCI)”.
• ICI’s certificate alumni receive discounts to further certificates and ICI’s conferences.

Aimed at

• Competitive/Market Intelligence Analysts and Managers
• Industrial Market Researchers
• Management/Strategy Consultants
• Product/Service Managers
• Entrepreneurs
• Heads of business units

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A dedicated helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.

Structure of the SCIE Program

The SCIE program comprises 5 modules designed to build foundational knowledge and advanced competencies.

Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.

Module 1: Setting up a CI system

Success factors, deliverables (output), processors, resources/investments, organizational fit & evolution, implementation planning, change management.

Case Study: Design of a CI system

Module 2: Corporate Reporting and Communication - the art of getting it right the first time

Competitor deep-dive example (incl. analysis frames such as financial analysis, key performance indicator analysis, competitors' strategy analysis, scenarios, benchmarks etc.), information warfare, counterintelligence, creative and critical thinking.

Case Study: Technology and Strategic Intelligence in a B2B market

Module 3: Getting a grip on the future through "Strategic Foresight"

Scenarios - A powerful tool for strategic foresight and strategy development, Early Warning Systems, Business/Innovation War Gaming, CI and Internal Power Games.

Case Study: Building competitive advantage in the retail industry

Module 4: Projects

A critical element of the SCIE program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module

Module 5: Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.

Benefits

For you:

• Earn a University Certificate of Advanced Studies degree including 6 credit points (CP) according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System).
• Ability to drive the design process for a competitive intelligence function within your company.
• Competence in assessing the cost/benefit ratio of strategic competitive intelligence.
• Proficiency in the evaluation of a portfolio of strategic intelligence tools (“Strategic Foresight”) for your company, such as scenario planning, early warning systems, and war gaming.
• Become an agent of change for driving the implementation process for competitive intelligence.

For your company:

• Learn about the potential benefits that strategic competitive intelligence can bring to your company as well as the potential threats if intelligence is managed poorly.
• Understand the legal and ethical implications of running a competitive intelligence function.
• Define the pre-emptive measures that your company should engage in with respect to information warfare and counterintelligence.

Aimed at

• Board members, managers with P&L responsibility
• Product managers and department managers involved in strategic intelligence operations that are either planned or in the early stages of deployment.
• Strategic planners, investment bankers, strategy and technology consultants, finance managers with a related strategic scope

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A dedicated helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.

Structure of the FCCI™ Program

The FCCI™ program comprises nine modules designed to build foundational knowledge and advanced competencies.

Orientation Module
Familiarize yourself with ICI’s online campus and meet your peers.

Module 1 Fundamentals of Competitive/Market Intelligence
Explore the basics of CI/MI research and analysis tools; understand your current market, how it’s changing and what to expect for the future.

Module 2 Competence Training for Competitive/Market Intelligence Excellence
Enhance your personal efficiency including the use of AI tools for intelligence work, as well as problem-solving approaches and analytical writing.

Module 3 Reporting and Communication
Learn how to structure intelligence/data/information for impactful communication with stakeholders. Gain inspiration from diverse hands-on examples from international corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Module 4 Advanced Web Intelligence (OSINT)
Become proficient in online research techniques using databases and AI tools. Learn how to obtain focused, comprehensive, and thorough results by effectively planning and conducting your intelligence research operations.

Module 5 Dynamic Communication and Elicitation Skills
Master human intelligence (HUMINT) techniques for gathering actionable intelligence through direct interactions.

Module 6 Fundamental Analysis Methods for Markets and Competitors
Apply analytical frameworks to assess markets, competitors, industries, and futures effectively. Learn methods such as SWOT analysis, Porter’s 5-Forces Industry Structure Analysis, business model canvas analysis, analysis of competing hypothesis, strategic groups analysis, and distant profiling. Experience how and where AI can effectively support your analyses.

Module 7 Capstone Assignment
This capstone assignment integrates all the content covered in the FCCI™ modules.

Module 8 Projects
A critical element of the FCCI™ program is the learning application. Work on two supervised projects that address real-world challenges in your organization or industry context. You can balance your work commitments with the workload of this module.

Module 9 Final Exam
Demonstrate your mastery of CI concepts through a written exam.

Who Is the Program Aimed at?

Designed for working professionals, the FCCI^TM program is aimed at:

• Competitive/Market Intelligence Analysts looking to evaluate threats and develop strategic responses.
• Market Researchers seeking to assess new markets or craft entry strategies.
• Management/Strategy Consultants guiding businesses through transformations.
• Entrepreneurs identifying growth opportunities or scaling their startups.
• Professionals from any industry looking to advance their career with cutting-edge CI/MI skills.

Your support team

Enjoy a personalized, people-based learning experience that will make you feel supported at every step of your journey with the ICI.

• Your faculty will guide you through any content-related challenges.
• A dedicated helpline will support you with administrative steps, from application to receipt of your printed certificate upon completion of the program.
• One-on-one support is available during working hours (9am–5pm CET) to help resolve any technical issues.

Application Procedure

Places on our program are limited and are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you submit your completed application form as early as possible, preferably six weeks before the program start date. The Admissions Committee will review your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about which program is most suited to your objectives or if you need any additional information.

About the Institute for Competitive Intelligence (ICI)

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Germany, ICI is a leading, independent institution dedicated exclusively to competitive/market intelligence education. With an international expert faculty, ICI provides world-class programs designed for working professionals from over 100 countries. Most participants work in B2B industries and generally have at least 10 years of professional experience. ICI’s proprietary programs guarantee a learning experience that is of superior quality, intimate and personalized for CI professionals. The FCCI™ is the first of six certificate programs taught by ICI. All programs are seamlessly interconnected, offering opportunities for you to continue your learning journey.