The word brings up images of hidden cameras, microphones and James Bond. In business this type of thing does happen.
Employees sell trade secrets, spies dig through dumpsters and hackers break into systems.
But that is not the type of competitive intelligence I am talking about here. All businesses should know their position in the marketplace. To know this position one has to know about the competition. Competitors will usually not give this information out voluntarily. But we do not need to call Mr. Bond.