Industry Research
To develop an understanding of an industry, you must understand its structure. For a large industry, information is easy to find. For smaller industries, which may be fairly new or filled with "mom-n-pop" and private businesses, a different approach is needed. Examples of where you may find industry information include:
- Analyst reports
- Market research reports
- News articles
- Industry experts
- Trade or professional association
To learn about and understand the industry in which your company operates, there are a number of databases that can help you which are listed below, and which give you an outsider’s expert opinion about an industry. Using these sources enables you to find out what information already exists, see the opinions and ideas of experts, and reach your own conclusions based on facts and analysis.
Database: First Research
- First Research (Intellect) This link opens in a new window
Industry Profiles: overviews, challenges, trends, executive insight, call prep questions, financials, forecasts, growth rating, and industry drivers. Industries by economic metrics: financial, HR, industry drivers, forecasts.
First Research Industry reports contain:
- Industry Overview
- Industry Forecast
- Critical Issues within the industry
- Business Challenges
- Business Trends
- Industry Opportunities
- Call Prep Sheets with conversation starters
- Executive insights and talking points by C-Suite position.
- Websites which highlight industry experts (usually Associations and Government Agencies.)
Once in First Research, simply search for your industry, then click on the appropriate link. The report contents are listed on the LEFT SIDE of the page.
Database: IBISWorld
- IBISWorld This link opens in a new windowLarge collection of industry reports; market size, competitors, drafting business plans, pitch books, benchmarking, forecasting, business valuations, litigation support, due diligence and more.
Search by industry name, NAICS code or company name. Use for understanding market size, competitors, drafting business plans, pitch books, benchmarking, forecasting, business valuations, litigation support, due diligence and more. Search by industry name, industry code, or company name to access industry reports.
Industry reports include:
- Industry Performance
- Industry Outlook
- Industry Life Cycle
- Products & Markets
- Competitive Landscape
- Major Companies
- Operating Conditions
- Key Statistics
- Jargon & Glossary
Additional Industry Databases
- Gale Business: Insights This link opens in a new window
Company chronologies, company histories, journals, market research reports, market share reports, rankings, recent news, SWOT reports, videos, industry information. Comparison chart tool.
- Hoovers This link opens in a new windowDetails on US and international companies, executives, market research reports, and trade publications. Includes financials, subsidiaries, and trade and business news.
