The Generation Gap: Open-Source Information, Intelligence, and the Government
Abstract
One of the results of the end of the Cold War has been an increase in the quality and quantity of information available from open sources. The volume of data that is currently being collected presents the intelligence community with an opportunity to better focus increasingly scarce resources on that information, which is only available through those means. With that opportunity, however, comes the challenge to ensure that the collection and exploitation of all types of information is done as efficiently and effectively as possible. With information overload an increasing problem, the effective filtering, storage, and retrieval of relevant intelligence is critical to perceptive analysis and timely decision making. Particularly with respect to open-source information, more tightly integrated collection management and new modes of analysis must be developed. This paper describes the current generation gap between the government and open-source information. Information is intelligence and the government has not yet come to grips with the management, collection, and exploitation of this extremely valuable commodity. The author provides some current challenges for both the open-source community and the intelligence community, suggests some management techniques, and explains the importance of information knowledge. Finally, he suggests a strategy that will unite the government and private sector in a partnership. This partnership must be developed to provide decision makers with immediate, concise information to make appropriate decisions. As the United States copes with a rapidly changing world, there will be a need for immediate, expert analysis of whatever information is available in support of policy decisions, contingency planning, and humanitarian assistance. After all, U.S. National Security could rest on major decisions being made accurately and in a timely manner.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA440562
Entities
People
- Mick Nance
Organizations
- National War College