What kind of espionage is primarily concerned with companies and trade secrets?

The focus of economic espionage is specifically on obtaining trade secrets and sensitive information related to the economic interests of a nation or a corporation. This form of espionage generally involves theft or illicit acquisition of proprietary technology, business plans, and other confidential information that can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Economic espionage is often state-sponsored, where government entities seek to enhance their nation’s economic power by acquiring valuable trade secrets from foreign companies or governments. It differs from corporate and industrial espionage, which may carry more specific connotations regarding the entities involved—like focusing on one corporation versus broader industrial sectors. Field espionage typically pertains to collecting information in physical spaces or environments, often used in broader intelligence contexts rather than the targeted acquisition of trade secrets. Hence, economic espionage adequately encompasses the act of targeting companies for their vital trade secrets and broader economic impact.