Industry Research
- Identify the SIC or NAICS codes
- Search for industry profiles in First Research with NAICS/SIC codes or by keyword
- Search for industry profiles in Business Source Complete with NAICS/SIC codes or by keyword
- Restrict the source type to industry profile
- Look for industry websites
- Many industry websites are identified in the relevant section in Mergent First Research
- If the industry is regulated, identify the regulatory body and look for information that they may have published
- Gather statistics from government agencies, trade associations, etc.
- Search for articles in newspapers, magazines, and trade publications
- Mergent Intellect This link opens in a new windowPublic company information, some private company information, consumer data, industry reports from First Research, and a robust search function for searching for business meeting your criteria. Includes Key Business Ratios on the Web.
- Business Source Complete This link opens in a new windowScholarly, popular, and trade publications on management, economics, finance, accounting, international business etc. Starting point for most business-related research.
Additional resources:
- Industry ResearchUniversity of Southern California LibGuide with tips for researching specific industries. Some links will be subscription databases only accessible by USC students.
NAICS and SIC
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify businesses based on their primary activity in order to collect, analyze, and publish statistical data relevant to the U.S. economy. It was adopted in 1997 to replace the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system to improve comparability in business statistics. NAICS continues to be revised in order to reflect changes in industry, with a new update scheduled for 2017.
Understanding NAICS and SIC codes
- What are NAICS and SIC industry codes and how do I use them?Ohio University Business & Economics Subject Specialist Chad Boeninger explains how to use SIC and NAICS codes in your research.
- North American Industry Classification SystemSelect FAQ from the top bar for frequently asked questions regarding NAICS.
Identifying NAICS and SIC codes
- North American Industry Classification SystemSelect FAQ from the top bar for frequently asked questions regarding NAICS.
- North American Industry Classification SystemSelect FAQ from the top bar for frequently asked questions regarding NAICS.
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System SearchSearch the 1987 SIC manual by keyword to find descriptions information for 2,3,4-digit codes.
- Websters OnlineBusiness to business search engine searchable by SIC and NAICS codes.
Other National Classification Systems
- National ClassificationsNational classifications (mostly for activities and products) for countries around the world.
BizMiner
BizMiner is an excellent resource for looking at local, statewide, and national markets, as well as industry reports, financial ratios and competitive market analysis.
- BizMiner Academic This link opens in a new window
You do not need to create an account. Industry financial ratios, local industry market research, competitive market analysis and more by US location.
BizMiner Tutorials
- From BizMinerBest practices for searching BizMiner
- Getting Started with BizMinerThis video from Purdue walks you through a search and gives you a feel for the platform even though they have more options than we do.
Industry Research Reports
Try these links to see if any reports are available on your industry.
- Commission PublicationsReports from the U.S. International Trade Commission on various industries.
- Industry Information ResourcesValuationResources.Com™ is a free online guide to business valuation resources, industry information, economic data, and more. Links to free resources as well as those that are only available for purchase.
- International Trade Administration Research CenterResearch Center for the International Trade Administration, a branch of the Department of Commerce.
Regulation
- FDA regulatory informationBasic information about regulatory processes from the Federal Food and Drug Administration.
- FAA Regulations & PoliciesFederal Aviation Administration regulations and policies.
Industry Statistics
- Trade Data & AnalysisReports, statistics and other data on US industries from the International Trade Administration.
- Industries at a GlanceNational data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, including trends, employment, and earnings.
- Industry economic accountsReports from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on industry interactions, productivity trends, and the changing structure of the U.S. economy. (Input-output framework and annual output by each industry)
- Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB)Annual series that provides national and subnational data on the distribution of economic data by enterprise size and industry.