NAICS
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying businesses. In 1997, NAICS replaced the Standard Industrial Classification System (SIC).
Be mindful: Although NAICS is still being revised (every 5 years), many databases have begun to create their own classification systems, especially for classifying new and emerging technology companies.
Business and Data Services Librarian
Best Bets for Industry Trends & Market Research
- IBISWorld This link opens in a new windowProvides insight and analysis on more than 700 industries in the United States. Each report covers: Competitive landscape, major companies, industry performance, barriers to entry, etc. "Additional Resources" listed are also helpful.
- Statista This link opens in a new windowProvides access to over 1 million statistics and studies gathered by market researchers, trade organizations, scientific publications, and government sources on over 600 industries.
- Passport This link opens in a new windowProvides 2,000 data types across 11 categories: Automotive and transport, Consumer markets, Economic indicators, Foreign trade, Industrial markets, IT and telecommunications, Leisure and lifestyles, Population and households, Resources and environment, Retailing, Service markets, and more.
- MarketLine Industry Profiles via Business Source CompleteIncludes key company information such as top competitors, major products and services, revenue and SWOT analyses.
- Barnes Reports via Business Source CompleteProvides timely studies on the largest manufacturing, retail, wholesale and services industries and consumer buying trends in the United States. Includes estimates on industry establishments, inventories, capital expenditures, and metropolitan level data.
- First Research This link opens in a new windowProvides industry profiles on over 600 industry segments. Also includes "Industry Websites" for additional leads to critical information.
- Insider Intelligence This link opens in a new windowInsider Intelligence (formerly eMarketer) provides analysis, market data, and statistics on the internet, e-commerce, online marketing, social media, and emerging digital technologies around the world.
- SRDS (Standard Rate & Data Service) This link opens in a new windowUpdated monthly. Provides media rates and data for the advertising industry, listing advertising rates, editorial or programming content, circulation, and other basic information for a variety of advertising media.
- GlobalEdge Industry ProfilesSource for international business-related resources, statistics, risk assessments, and events for 20 distinct industry sectors.
- RKMA Market Research Handbook SeriesMarket research titles from Richard K. Miller Associates (RKMA) focused on various consumer-related markets such as E-Commerce, Sports, Entertainment, Tourism, etc.
- MarketResearch.comA leading provider of industry intelligence for businesses, consultants, etc. "Search Reports" for products or services and use the table of contents and descriptions locate important statistics (CAGR, TAM, market segments) . DO NOT ask the Library to purchase these reports. Most publishers provide a glimpse - Use multiple snapshots to inform your research.
Porter's Five Forces
- Porter's Five Forces - A Model for Industry AnalysisA business analysis model that helps to explain why various industries are able to sustain different levels of profitability. The model was published in Michael E. Porter's book, "Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors."The Five Forces model is widely used to analyze the industry structure of a company/industry as well as corporate strategy.