Industry Research

This guide is a starting point for those who are looking to do research on industries. You may be doing industry research if:

• You have an idea for a new business or startup
• You are creating a business plan
• You are working on a marketing audit or marketing plan
• You are preparing for a job interview or as part of career research

If you have questions about Industry research, don't hesitate to contact TMU Libraries' Entrepreneurship Librarian.

An industry is a group of companies selling a similar product or service. Some examples of industries are the hotel industry, the real estate industry, and the airline industry. Industries can change over time as new ones emerge and others diminish or become obsolete.

'Industry' and 'sector' are sometimes used interchangeably. However, a sector is a larger portion of the economy made up of similar industries. For instance, manufacturing is a sector and within it, automobile manufacturing is an industry.

When you are doing industry research, you are looking to learn about your chosen industry as a whole, including its:

• Biggest players
• Current performance
• Future Outlook
• External environment
• Trends

This guide will provide you with resources and tips for finding this information.

To learn more about conducting industry research, join the Industry Research workshop at the library. This workshop is offered three times a year and is eligible for a badge. Check the workshops page for an upcoming session. 

The Industry Research workshop is part of the Entrepreneurship Skills for Everyone series. Check out the entire series to be eligible for a stacked badge!