Getting Started With Industry Research

When starting an industry research project, keep in mind the fact that equal amounts of information are not available for all industries. The amount of available information varies widely by industry, depending on the size, age, and rate of technological change within the industry.

SIC & NAICS Codes

The first step in gathering industry information is to get the correct name for the industry and to find the appropriate Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code number(s). NAICS replaced the SIC code system in the 1997 U.S. Economic Census. However, private publishers often still use SIC codes. For help in understanding and locating SIC and NAICS numbers click here.

Web Resources

ASAE and the Center

Industry Data Finder at Cole Library

Industry Guides - from Baker Library at Harvard Business School

Industry Information Resources

IndustryLink

Industries Web sites - from Lippincott Library at Wharton College of Business

ITA Industry Profiles (International Trade Administration)

McKinsey Quarterly

Industry Overviews

Industry Profiles

Industry Ratios