Business FAQ
Research Tips
In some cases, the market may be new or very specialized, making it difficult to find published research.
Try these recommended approaches:
Statista | Industry and Trade Associations | Trade and News Articles | Industry Reports | Analyst Reports | Venture Capital Databases | U.S. Government | Non U.S. Governments | Proxy/Substitute
- StatistaProvides access to statistics and studies gathered by market researchers, trade organizations, scientific publications, and government sources on over 600 industries. Use Statista's source information to locate additional statistics or data on the topic. Statista's Global Consumer Survey and related Content Specials featuring surveys on selected topics provide insight into consumer behavior.
Industry and Trade Associations
Associations often provide useful free statistics, data, and news on their websites. Look for areas labeled "data," "library," "news," "research," or "resources."
To find associations:
- Gale Directory LibraryIncludes Encyclopedia of Associations (International Organizations; National Organizations of the U.S.; Regional, State, and Local Organizations)
- Google Advanced SearchSearch for industry description + association (e.g. automobile + association). If desired, add site:.org to limit results to domains ending in .org.
- ABI/InformAggregates content from thousands of business and management publications worldwide, including scholarly and trade publications.
- Business Source CompleteCitations, summaries and full-text articles from business-focused academic journals, magazines and trade publications, as well as some company, industry and market reports.
- FactivaCurrent and historical news from thousands of publications worldwide in over 20 languages. Company overviews and stock data are available for public companies.
Industry Reports
Industry reports may include external drivers, market segmentation, competitive landscape, operating conditions, industry forecasts, and other factors that provide context to the market.
Differentiating industry and market research reports:
- Industry reports focus on an industry producing products or services, the industry's supply chain, and external influencing factors
- Market research reports focus on consumers of an industry's product or service and influences on consumer preferences and demand.
Analyst Reports
Investment bank analyst reports provide details about markets, companies, industries, and geographic regions worldwide. Search for analyst reports for public companies serving a specific market.
U.S. Government
The federal government makes an enormous amount of information publicly available. Visit the websites of each government agency relevant to the market to retrieve information, statistics, and data.
If unsure where to begin, try these resources:
- Data.govIncludes downloadable raw data from the U.S. Government.
- Statistical Abstract of the United States (by ProQuest)Annual statistical yearbook of the United States from 2013 to the present, with data taken from various Census projects.
- Data USAFree site featuring U.S. government data and data visualizations.
Governments other than the U.S.
- Search other countries' government websites, some of which offer English versions.
- The U.S. Census Bureau provides links to National Statistical Offices
