Unlocking a Fortune 500 Manufacturer's R&D Strategy

Our client—one of the world's largest technology companies—was losing ground. Their major competitor appeared to have seized the lead in their ongoing battle for technology leadership, and in an innovation-driven industry, this threatened long-term survival.

The problem: How do you understand a competitor's most guarded secrets—their R&D strategy and direction—when that information is known only to a handful of senior executives?

We designed a high-stakes competitive intelligence operation targeting the competitor's C-suite and senior leadership:

Executive Access Strategy:

1. Division Vice Presidents
2. Chief Intellectual Property Counsel
3. Vice President of Corporate Technology
4. Corporate Technology Strategic Marketing Director
5. Corporate Media Relations leadership

Interview Framework:

Our experienced reserchers conducted in-depth interviews exploring:

1. The role of R&D in the company's future vision
2. Global R&D strategy development and execution
3. Specific planning methodologies in use
4. Technology design and planning processes
5. Technology management systems and approaches

Confidentiality Management: We navigated extremely sensitive territory, developing approaches to discuss topics typically known only to a limited circle of senior executives while maintaining ethical boundaries.

Strategex's research delivered exactly what seemed impossible—a comprehensive understanding of the competitor's R&D strategy directly from their own leadership team.

Strategic Intelligence Gained:

1. Clear picture of competitor's R&D priorities and direction
2. Insights into their planning methodologies and execution approach
3. Understanding of their technology management philosophy
4. Intelligence on future strategic initiatives

Client Impact: We compiled our findings into a detailed presentation delivered directly to our client's leadership team, providing them with the competitive intelligence needed to recalibrate their own strategy.

Methodology Validation: This project demonstrated our unique capability to identify, contact, and engage senior executives in meaningful discussions that yield invaluable strategic insights—even on the most sensitive topics.