The following resources are starting points in the search for industry information. The focus is on industry/market research. Some of the resources are freely available on the web. Others are Leddy Library subscriptions and so, if you are off-campus, you will need to sign on with your University of Windsor ID and email password. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact Katharine Ball at (519) 253-3000, ext. 3852
Start with the Leddy Library Databases
These are located on the Business Subject Page
IBISWorld
A broad range of industry reports for the United States, Canada, Ontario, and China; also a few global reports. Information includes an industry overview, industry performance, industry outlook, products and markets, competitive landscape, major companies, operating conditions, and key statistics.
Passport
An international database with both global and country level industry reports and statistics. Its focus is consumer goods and services. Information includes trends, market size and data, and competitive landscape. Use the Industries tab at the top. Then, under Country Reports, select your industry sub-category and country.
Market Research.com
Global and U.S. reports for service industries, consumer goods, food & beverage, heavy industry, life science, the public sector, and technology & media. Report providers include: Kalorma, Packaged Facts, SBI Energy, Simba Information, Freedonia Focus, and Paul Budde.
Sustainalytics
Sustainalytics (by Morningstar) provides a coherent and consistent approach to identify, understand, and manage environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, impact, and regulatory requirements across companies and industries worldwide. The Leddy Library licenses the ESG Risk Ratings/Reports (17,000 companies and 42 industries) and the Controversies Reports (17,000 companies).
Conference Board of Canada E-Library
Forecasts for key Canadian industries in the primary sectors, manufacturing, and services. Browse by Topic. Then choose Industry Sector Economics.
Business Source Complete
Broad U.S./international coverage; includes scholarly journal articles, trade magazine articles, country reports, company reports, industry profiles, etc.
Browse the Industry Profiles (right side). These profiles are mainly from Marketline/Datamonitor, Business Monitor, and Barnes Reports. They cover hundreds of industries and are both global and country-specific.
Search for industry information. Type keywords that describe your industry into the Search box, and limit by date, if appropriate. Example: (automo* OR motor vehicle) and ital*
ProQuest One Business
A global search of ProQuest business databases, including ABI/Inform, CBCA Complete, EconLit, and others; contains scholarly journal articles, trade magazine articles, industry and market research, etc.
Browse Industry Reports: these reports are from Barnes, Aquisdata, Fitch and others. They cover a large number of industries; some are global in coverage, some are country specific.
Search for Industry Information: go to the Advanced Search; type keywords that describe your industry into the search box; limit by date if appropriate.
Compustat (via WRDS)
Very detailed financial information. Industry specific financial variables for airlines, banking, gaming, home-building, healthcare facilities, lodging, managed healthcare, mining, oil and gas, retail, semi-conductors and utilities.
Mergent Intellect
First Research U.S. industry reports, Dun and Bradstreet Key Business Ratios, and an extensive international business directory.
Mergent Online
Financial data, Investext Investment Reports, Horizon Global: supply chain information.
Mintel
U.S. and Canadian reports; overview of market size, including a five year forecast, brand share, category trends, consumer attitudes and behaviours; each report also includes downloadable consumer survey data.
Omni Database on the Library's Home Page
Information on different industries, e.g.
DesRosiers Automotive Reports and Yearbook
____________________________________________________________________________________
Supplement with Free Industry Information from the Web
Do a general Google search, but also focus your search by considering who might be producing the information you are looking for. Governments, industry associations, accounting and consulting firms, and universities are often good sources of free information and reports. Below are a few examples.
Canada. Department of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development. Industry Sector Intelligence
Canadian industry reports and statistics
Statistics Canada
Browse by Subjects. Look under Energy, Manufacturing, Retail and Wholesale, or any other heading relevant to your industry. There are additional statistical products that are only available to University of Windsor faculty, staff, and students. For these, please contact Berenica Vejvoda or Katharine Ball
United States. Census Bureau. Business and Economy
A good starting point for U.S. industry information
ThomasNet
Useful for estimating the size of an industry and for compiling lists of companies within an industry and geographical area. Focuses on suppliers of industrial products and services.
Updated: Katharine Ball, June 2024
Connect with your library