Competitive Intelligence For Insular Territories

For centuries, the intrinsic and ubiquitous parameters of insular territories have governed social, economic and political life within the island and with outer territories. Besides some biological and physical determinism, there exists a psychological factor that conducts islanders to feel that they possess a rich and a unique identity (Gombaud, 2007:593). Nowadays, islands are impacted by communication technologies and globalization, international law and politics. The opening to tourism, international trade and foreign capital, modifies the usual landmarks and often means that traditional activities and know-how are abandoned. Historically located at the periphery, islands suddenly appear at the centre of multiple preoccupations, become places of conflict, are concerned by supranational decisions. Foreign bodies (EU-UN-UNCLOS) regulate but mostly challenge the insular ecosystem. Sensitive to pollution and climate change, islands strive to produce energy and water, to preserve the environment, to enhance living conditions and offer jobs. This paper examines Competitive Intelligence, by offering an innovative, transversal and holistic framework to support island development. This may allow the strong and balanced evolution of a territory, insert it in the regional and national economy, boost the creation of jobs, identify areas of growth and provide added-valued (Dou et al., 2019).