The Data-Driven Transformation of Intelligence

The Data-Driven Transformation of Intelligence

When “little green men” invaded Crimea in early 2014,they left a data trailthat went largely unnoticed by the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).  Distracted by a large Russianexerciseto the west, the ICdid not connect the digital dotsthat indicated the impending invasion.  In the Information Age, the “dots” are more plentiful and glaring as everyone now leaves a data trail.  Given that, how can Intelligence analysts better gather, share, organize, and view data to reveal intent, more accurately predict behavior, and make better decisions with limited resources?

Intelligence is, for the most part, production focused, meaning many analysts are often forced to make quick assessments from limited text-based sources to meet deadlines.  As such, they can be trapped into making predictions that put too much weight on personal experience and cognitive biases.  This is a big problem considering the difficulty of forecasting the behavior of every rival the U.S. faces in the global arena or on the battlefield.  The best analysis derives from the right combination of art and science.  It is dangerous to favor the former at the expense of the latter, even for the most experienced and skilled analysts. 

If the U.S. government is to deal with deceptive and elusive adversaries, the IC must make data, structured in a way to tell a story, the foundation for its intelligence assessments.  Data analytics are changing how we approach economics, elections, health, security, business, and our daily routines.  It is time for intelligence to catch up.  Analysts must pair their intuition and expertise with data science to give decision-makers the best possible intelligence.  

In turn, IC and defense leaders must accelerate this data-driven transformation of intelligence tradecraft, and demand a more structured, scientific approach to the intelligence problems we face.

Share it:
Share it:

[Social9_Share class=”s9-widget-wrapper”]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You Might Be Interested In

Data Analytics: A Home Run For Creating Fan Loyalty

24 Oct, 2020

I’m an engineer by training. A numbers guy. A data geek. I spend my time talking with engineers and businesspeople …

Read more

Why it’s time for CIOs to invest in machine learning

28 May, 2017

Cornell University wants to help whales avoid getting hit by ships, so it is working on an algorithm that uses audio recordings …

Read more

Data Literacy Education Framework – Part 1

28 Jan, 2022

What do we need to do to increase the data literacy of our organization? In a world where your personal …

Read more

Do You Want to Share Your Story?

Bring your insights on Data, Visualization, Innovation or Business Agility to our community. Let them learn from your experience.

Get the 3 STEPS

To Drive Analytics Adoption
And manage change

3-steps-to-drive-analytics-adoption

Get Access to Event Discounts

Switch your 7wData account from Subscriber to Event Discount Member by clicking the button below and get access to event discounts. Learn & Grow together with us in a more profitable way!

Get Access to Event Discounts

Create a 7wData account and get access to event discounts. Learn & Grow together with us in a more profitable way!

Don't miss Out!

Stay in touch and receive in depth articles, guides, news & commentary of all things data.