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What is Industry Research?
When doing industry research, you're looking for information about companies that work in the same field, or that do the same type of work, eg. Grocery Stores in Canada. Here are some things you might be looking for:
- Who are the biggest companies in this industry?
- Is the industry growing or shrinking? What are predictions for future sales?
- How to trends (eg. political, economic, or health factors) impact this industry?
Key Resources
If industry research is new to you, take a look at the resources below to learn more about how to do this type of research.
- Industry Analysis FrameworksFrom the Business Information Skills Certificate Course, this section will teach you about Industry Analysis Frameworks like PESTLE, SWOT, and Porter’s Five Forces.
Library Resources
IBISWorld
- IBISWorldIndustry reports for Canadian and US industries. Follow this link for authenticated access via the University of Waterloo library.
How to use IBISWorld for industry research?
IBISWorld contains industry reports for Canada and the United States. You can search by keyword, such as "hospital", "university", or "pizza", or by NAICS code.
Global Data Explorer (formerly Marketline)
- Global Data ExplorerInformation, news and market reports for international companies, industries and countries. New platform for Marketline Advantage.
Coverage: current
How to use Global Data Explorer for industry research?
Global Data Explorer includes industry profiles for many countries internationally. Search for a keyword, such as "hotel" or "realtor", and use the top menu to navigate to "Sectors".
- GlobalData - Video GuidesGlobalData Video Guides explain how to use the platform for various analysis types. View the Sector Analysis video for information on industry research.
ABI Inform
- ABI/INFORMBusiness and management content, including articles, business cases, and market and industry reports.
How to use ABI Inform for industry research?
Search for your industry by keyword in the search fields. Scroll down to select Document Type and choose Industry Report, Market Report, and/or Market Research. ABI Inform uses Boolean Operators and keywords for effective searching: see the Library's tutorial on Advanced Database Searching to learn more about these techniques.
Frost & Sullivan
- Frost & SullivanFrost and Sullivan is a database that provides market research and analysis across a variety of science sectors. Major focuses on technology, energy, and manufacturing.
How to use Frost & Sullivan for industry research?
Openly Available Resources
NAICS
- NAICS (North American Industry Classification System)NAICS is a system for classifying businesses so that similar companies will be assigned the same NAICS code. It helps to know how industries are organized by code in order to find the closest related industry.
How to use NAICS codes for industry research?
Databases like IBISWorld and Canadian Industry Statistics allow you to search by keyword or NAICS code. If you can't find reports on your industry, it helps to know how industries are organized by code in order to find the closest related industry.
Canadian Industry Statistics
- Canadian Industry StatisticsCanadian Industry Statistics (CIS) analyses industry data on many economic indicators using the most recent data from Statistics Canada. CIS looks at industry trends and financial information, such as GDP, Labour Productivity, Manufacturing and Trade data.
Search by keyword or NAICS code.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Industries at a Glance
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Industries at a GlanceData for over 100 industries, available in Alphabetical order by industry or NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) number order.
Government of Canada Industry Sector Intelligence
- Industry Sector IntelligenceStatistics, market intelligence and business resources for each industry sector.
European Commission Industry Profiles
- European Commission Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEsReports on the top industries and sectors within the European Union.
KPMG Reports
- KPMG Industry ReportsShort reports on various industries from KPMG Consulting Firm.
Deloitte
- Deloitte Industry ReportsIndustry and Consumer trend reports from consulting firm Deloitte.
GlobalEDGE
- GlobalEDGECreated by the International Business Center and the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University (IBC), globalEDGE™ is a knowledge web-portal that connects international business professionals worldwide to a wealth of information, insights, and learning resources on global business activities.
Reports from Trade Associations
How to use reports from Trade Associations for industry research?
Most industries have trade associations, who collect and publish information about that industry. Try searching online for your industry or topic and "association", ex. "sporting goods association Canada".