Function-Oriented Evolution in the Structure of Research Institutions of Intelligence Agencies

This paper examines the function of research institutions in intelligence agencies in the era of globalization and attempts to answer the primary question: "What is the optimal structure for research institutions in intelligence agencies?" Using an exploratory approach and the Delphi method, the views of seven senior research managers active in the research subject were examined in two phases. The changes made in intelligence agencies that lead to changes in the role and function of research institutions were also taken into consideration. The paper concludes that considering the changes and developments in intelligence agencies, a "process-oriented" structure is appropriate for their institutions, including "research," "corporate," and "cultural" types. Research institutions are distinguished from affiliated companies and cultural institutions specifically and from a functional point of view. They should be centrally managed with four functions of "knowledge management," "solving operational knowledge-based issues," "producing science and discourse," and "transferring classical knowledge into the intelligence system."