Which of these is a characteristic of a strong competitive intelligence system?

A strong competitive intelligence system is characterized by its ability to provide insight into rivals’ future strategies. This capability is vital for organizations that wish to anticipate market moves, understand competitive dynamics, and strategically position themselves for success. By analyzing competitors' past behaviors, current actions, and market trends, a robust intelligence system can help managers make informed decisions based on potential future developments.

Additionally, the provision of insights into future strategies allows companies to identify threats and opportunities, leading to better strategic planning and effective resource allocation. Understanding what competitors are likely to do next enables proactive rather than reactive management practices, which can significantly improve a company's competitive standing.

Other aspects of competitive intelligence, such as reliance on publicly available information or the collection of data without strategic purpose, do not meet the criteria for a strong system. Focusing exclusively on financial data also limits the scope of intelligence that can be gathered, as it does not encompass strategic initiatives, customer sentiment, or market positioning that are essential for holistic insight into competition.