Market Research Reports

Overview

Market research reports are comprehensive strategic documents that analyze industries, markets, and competitive landscapes to inform business decisions, investment strategies, and strategic planning. This skill generates professional-grade reports of 50+ pages with extensive visual content, modeled after deliverables from top consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Gartner, and Forrester.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive length: Reports are designed to be 50+ pages with no token constraints
• Visual-rich content: 5-6 key diagrams generated at start (more added as needed during writing)
• Data-driven analysis: Deep integration with research-lookup for market data
• Multi-framework approach: Porter's Five Forces, PESTLE, SWOT, BCG Matrix, TAM/SAM/SOM
• Professional formatting: Consulting-firm quality typography, colors, and layout
• Actionable recommendations: Strategic focus with implementation roadmaps

Output Format: LaTeX with professional styling, compiled to PDF. Uses the market_research.sty style package for consistent, professional formatting.

When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:

• Creating comprehensive market analysis for investment decisions
• Developing industry reports for strategic planning
• Analyzing competitive landscapes and market dynamics
• Conducting market sizing exercises (TAM/SAM/SOM)
• Evaluating market entry opportunities
• Preparing due diligence materials for M&A activities
• Creating thought leadership content for industry positioning
• Developing go-to-market strategy documentation
• Analyzing regulatory and policy impacts on markets
• Building business cases for new product launches

Visual Enhancement Requirements

CRITICAL: Market research reports should include key visual content.

Every report should generate 6 essential visuals at the start, with additional visuals added as needed during writing. Start with the most critical visualizations to establish the report framework.

Visual Generation Tools

Use scientific-schematics for:

• Market growth trajectory charts
• TAM/SAM/SOM breakdown diagrams (concentric circles)
• Porter's Five Forces diagrams
• Competitive positioning matrices
• Market segmentation charts
• Value chain diagrams
• Technology roadmaps
• Risk heatmaps
• Strategic prioritization matrices
• Implementation timelines/Gantt charts
• SWOT analysis diagrams
• BCG Growth-Share matrices

# Example: Generate a TAM/SAM/SOM diagram
python skills/scientific-schematics/scripts/generate_schematic.py \
  "TAM SAM SOM concentric circle diagram showing Total Addressable Market $50B outer circle, Serviceable Addressable Market $15B middle circle, Serviceable Obtainable Market $3B inner circle, with labels and arrows pointing to each segment" \
  -o figures/tam_sam_som.png --doc-type report

# Example: Generate Porter's Five Forces
python skills/scientific-schematics/scripts/generate_schematic.py \
  "Porter's Five Forces diagram with center box 'Competitive Rivalry' connected to four surrounding boxes: 'Threat of New Entrants' (top), 'Bargaining Power of Suppliers' (left), 'Bargaining Power of Buyers' (right), 'Threat of Substitutes' (bottom). Each box should show High/Medium/Low rating" \
  -o figures/porters_five_forces.png --doc-type report

Use generate-image for:

• Executive summary hero infographics
• Industry/sector conceptual illustrations
• Abstract technology visualizations
• Cover page imagery

# Example: Generate executive summary infographic
python skills/generate-image/scripts/generate_image.py \
  "Professional executive summary infographic for market research report, showing key metrics in modern data visualization style, blue and green color scheme, clean minimalist design with icons representing market size, growth rate, and competitive landscape" \
  --output figures/executive_summary.png

Recommended Visuals by Section (Generate as Needed)

Start with 6 priority visuals (marked as START above), then generate additional visuals as specific sections are written and require visual support.

Report Structure (50+ Pages)

Front Matter (~5 pages)

Cover Page (1 page)

• Report title and subtitle
• Hero visualization (generated)
• Date and classification
• Prepared for / Prepared by

Table of Contents (1-2 pages)

• Automated from LaTeX
• List of Figures
• List of Tables

Executive Summary (2-3 pages)

• Market Snapshot Box: Key metrics at a glance
• Investment Thesis: 3-5 bullet point summary
• Key Findings: Major discoveries and insights
• Strategic Recommendations: Top 3-5 actionable recommendations
• Executive Summary Infographic: Visual synthesis of report highlights

Core Analysis (~35 pages)

Chapter 1: Market Overview & Definition (4-5 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Market definition and scope
• Industry ecosystem mapping
• Key stakeholders and their roles
• Market boundaries and adjacencies
• Historical context and evolution

Required Visuals (2):

1. Market ecosystem/value chain diagram
2. Industry structure diagram

Key Data Points:

• Market definition criteria
• Included/excluded segments
• Geographic scope
• Time horizon for analysis

Chapter 2: Market Size & Growth Analysis (6-8 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Total Addressable Market (TAM) calculation
• Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM) definition
• Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) estimation
• Historical growth analysis (5-10 years)
• Growth projections (5-10 years forward)
• Growth drivers and inhibitors
• Regional market breakdown
• Segment-level analysis

Required Visuals (4):

1. Market growth trajectory chart (historical + projected)
2. TAM/SAM/SOM concentric circles diagram
3. Regional market breakdown (pie chart or treemap)
4. Segment growth comparison (bar chart)

Key Data Points:

• Current market size (with source)
• CAGR (historical and projected)
• Market size by region
• Market size by segment
• Key assumptions for projections

Data Sources: Use research-lookup to find:

• Market research reports (Gartner, Forrester, IDC, etc.)
• Industry association data
• Government statistics
• Company financial reports
• Academic studies

Chapter 3: Industry Drivers & Trends (5-6 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Macroeconomic factors
• Technology trends
• Regulatory drivers
• Social and demographic shifts
• Environmental factors
• Industry-specific trends

Analysis Frameworks:

• PESTLE Analysis: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental
• Trend Impact Assessment: Likelihood vs Impact matrix

Required Visuals (3):

1. Industry trends timeline or radar chart
2. Driver impact matrix
3. PESTLE analysis diagram

Key Data Points:

• Top 5-10 growth drivers with quantified impact
• Emerging trends with timeline
• Disruption factors

Chapter 4: Competitive Landscape (6-8 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Market structure analysis
• Major player profiles
• Market share analysis
• Competitive positioning
• Barriers to entry
• Competitive dynamics

Analysis Frameworks:

• Porter's Five Forces: Comprehensive industry analysis
• Competitive Positioning Matrix: 2x2 matrix on key dimensions
• Strategic Group Mapping: Cluster competitors by strategy

Required Visuals (4):

1. Porter's Five Forces diagram
2. Market share pie chart or bar chart
3. Competitive positioning matrix (2x2)
4. Strategic group map

Key Data Points:

• Market share by company (top 10)
• Competitive intensity rating
• Entry barriers assessment
• Supplier/buyer power assessment

Chapter 5: Customer Analysis & Segmentation (4-5 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Customer segment definitions
• Segment size and growth
• Buying behavior analysis
• Customer needs and pain points
• Decision-making process
• Value drivers by segment

Analysis Frameworks:

• Customer Segmentation Matrix: Size vs Growth
• Value Proposition Canvas: Jobs, Pains, Gains
• Customer Journey Mapping: Awareness to Advocacy

Required Visuals (3):

1. Customer segmentation breakdown (pie/treemap)
2. Segment attractiveness matrix
3. Customer journey or value proposition diagram

Key Data Points:

• Segment sizes and percentages
• Growth rates by segment
• Average deal size / revenue per customer
• Customer acquisition cost by segment

Chapter 6: Technology & Innovation Landscape (4-5 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Current technology stack
• Emerging technologies
• Innovation trends
• Technology adoption curves
• R&D investment analysis
• Patent landscape

Analysis Frameworks:

• Technology Readiness Assessment: TRL levels
• Hype Cycle Positioning: Where technologies sit
• Technology Roadmap: Evolution over time

Required Visuals (2):

1. Technology roadmap diagram
2. Innovation/adoption curve or hype cycle

Key Data Points:

• R&D spending in the industry
• Key technology milestones
• Patent filing trends
• Technology adoption rates

Chapter 7: Regulatory & Policy Environment (3-4 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Current regulatory framework
• Key regulatory bodies
• Compliance requirements
• Upcoming regulatory changes
• Policy trends
• Impact assessment

Required Visuals (1):

1. Regulatory timeline or framework diagram

Key Data Points:

• Key regulations and effective dates
• Compliance costs
• Regulatory risks
• Policy change probability

Chapter 8: Risk Analysis (3-4 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Market risks
• Competitive risks
• Regulatory risks
• Technology risks
• Operational risks
• Financial risks
• Risk mitigation strategies

Analysis Frameworks:

• Risk Heatmap: Probability vs Impact
• Risk Register: Comprehensive risk inventory
• Mitigation Matrix: Risk vs Mitigation strategy

Required Visuals (2):

1. Risk heatmap (probability vs impact)
2. Risk mitigation matrix

Key Data Points:

• Top 10 risks with ratings
• Risk probability scores
• Impact severity scores
• Mitigation cost estimates

Strategic Recommendations (~10 pages)

Chapter 9: Strategic Opportunities & Recommendations (4-5 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Opportunity identification
• Opportunity sizing
• Strategic options analysis
• Prioritization framework
• Detailed recommendations
• Success factors

Analysis Frameworks:

• Opportunity Attractiveness Matrix: Attractiveness vs Ability to Win
• Strategic Options Framework: Build, Buy, Partner, Ignore
• Priority Matrix: Impact vs Effort

Required Visuals (3):

1. Opportunity matrix
2. Strategic options framework
3. Priority/recommendation matrix

Key Data Points:

• Opportunity sizes
• Investment requirements
• Expected returns
• Timeline to value

Chapter 10: Implementation Roadmap (3-4 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Phased implementation plan
• Key milestones and deliverables
• Resource requirements
• Timeline and sequencing
• Dependencies and critical path
• Governance structure

Required Visuals (2):

1. Implementation timeline/Gantt chart
2. Milestone tracker or phase diagram

Key Data Points:

• Phase durations
• Resource requirements
• Key milestones with dates
• Budget allocation by phase

Chapter 11: Investment Thesis & Financial Projections (3-4 pages)

Content Requirements:

• Investment summary
• Financial projections
• Scenario analysis
• Return expectations
• Key assumptions
• Sensitivity analysis

Required Visuals (2):

1. Financial projection chart (revenue, growth)
2. Scenario analysis comparison

Key Data Points:

• Revenue projections (3-5 years)
• CAGR projections
• ROI/IRR expectations
• Key financial assumptions

Back Matter (~5 pages)

Appendix A: Methodology & Data Sources (1-2 pages)

• Research methodology
• Data collection approach
• Data sources and citations
• Limitations and assumptions

Appendix B: Detailed Market Data Tables (2-3 pages)

• Comprehensive market data tables
• Regional breakdowns
• Segment details
• Historical data series

Appendix C: Company Profiles (1-2 pages)

• Brief profiles of key competitors
• Financial highlights
• Strategic focus areas

References/Bibliography

• All sources cited
• BibTeX format for LaTeX

Workflow

Phase 1: Research & Data Gathering

Step 1: Define Scope

• Clarify market definition
• Set geographic boundaries
• Determine time horizon
• Identify key questions to answer

Step 2: Conduct Deep Research

Use research-lookup extensively to gather market data:

# Market size and growth data
python skills/research-lookup/scripts/research_lookup.py \
  "What is the current market size and projected growth rate for [MARKET] industry? Include TAM, SAM, SOM estimates and CAGR projections"

# Competitive landscape
python skills/research-lookup/scripts/research_lookup.py \
  "Who are the top 10 competitors in the [MARKET] market? What is their market share and competitive positioning?"

# Industry trends
python skills/research-lookup/scripts/research_lookup.py \
  "What are the major trends and growth drivers in the [MARKET] industry for 2024-2030?"

# Regulatory environment
python skills/research-lookup/scripts/research_lookup.py \
  "What are the key regulations and policy changes affecting the [MARKET] industry?"

Step 3: Data Organization

• Create sources/ folder with research notes
• Organize data by section
• Identify data gaps
• Conduct follow-up research as needed

Phase 2: Analysis & Framework Application

Step 4: Apply Analysis Frameworks

For each framework, conduct structured analysis:

• Market Sizing: TAM → SAM → SOM with clear assumptions
• Porter's Five Forces: Rate each force High/Medium/Low with rationale
• PESTLE: Analyze each dimension with trends and impacts
• SWOT: Internal strengths/weaknesses, external opportunities/threats
• Competitive Positioning: Define axes, plot competitors

Step 5: Develop Insights

• Synthesize findings into key insights
• Identify strategic implications
• Develop recommendations
• Prioritize opportunities

Phase 3: Visual Generation

Step 6: Generate All Visuals

Generate visuals BEFORE writing the report. Use the batch generation script:

# Generate all standard market report visuals
python skills/market-research-reports/scripts/generate_market_visuals.py \
  --topic "[MARKET NAME]" \
  --output-dir figures/

Or generate individually:

# 1. Market growth trajectory
python skills/scientific-schematics/scripts/generate_schematic.py \
  "Bar chart showing market growth from 2020 to 2034, with historical bars in dark blue (2020-2024) and projected bars in light blue (2025-2034). Y-axis shows market size in billions USD. Include CAGR annotation" \
  -o figures/01_market_growth.png --doc-type report

# 2. TAM/SAM/SOM breakdown
python skills/scientific-schematics/scripts/generate_schematic.py \
  "TAM SAM SOM concentric circles diagram. Outer circle TAM Total Addressable Market, middle circle SAM Serviceable Addressable Market, inner circle SOM Serviceable Obtainable Market. Each labeled with acronym and description. Blue gradient" \
  -o figures/02_tam_sam_som.png --doc-type report

# 3. Porter's Five Forces
python skills/scientific-schematics/scripts/generate_schematic.py \
  "Porter's Five Forces diagram with center box 'Competitive Rivalry' connected to four surrounding boxes: Threat of New Entrants (top), Bargaining Power of Suppliers (left), Bargaining Power of Buyers (right), Threat of Substitutes (bottom). Color code by rating: High=red, Medium=yellow, Low=green" \
  -o figures/03_porters_five_forces.png --doc-type report

# 4. Competitive positioning matrix
python skills/scientific-schematics/scripts/generate_schematic.py \
  "2x2 competitive positioning matrix with X-axis 'Market Focus (Niche to Broad)' and Y-axis 'Solution Approach (Product to Platform)'. Plot 8-10 competitors as labeled circles of varying sizes. Include quadrant labels" \
  -o figures/04_competitive_positioning.png --doc-type report

# 5. Risk heatmap
python skills/scientific-schematics/scripts/generate_schematic.py \
  "Risk heatmap matrix. X-axis Impact (Low to Critical), Y-axis Probability (Unlikely to Very Likely). Color gradient: Green (low risk) to Red (critical risk). Plot 10-12 risks as labeled points" \
  -o figures/05_risk_heatmap.png --doc-type report

# 6. (Optional) Executive summary infographic
python skills/generate-image/scripts/generate_image.py \
  "Professional executive summary infographic for market research report, modern data visualization style, blue and green color scheme, clean minimalist design" \
  --output figures/06_exec_summary.png

Phase 4: Report Writing

Step 7: Initialize Project Structure

Create the standard project structure:

writing_outputs/YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_market_report_[topic]/
├── progress.md
├── drafts/
│   └── v1_market_report.tex
├── references/
│   └── references.bib
├── figures/
│   └── [all generated visuals]
├── sources/
│   └── [research notes]
└── final/

Step 8: Write Report Using Template

Use the market_report_template.tex as a starting point. Write each section following the structure guide, ensuring:

• Comprehensive coverage: Every subsection addressed
• Data-driven content: Claims supported by research
• Visual integration: Reference all generated figures
• Professional tone: Consulting-style writing
• No token constraints: Write fully, don't abbreviate

Writing Guidelines:

• Use active voice where possible
• Lead with insights, support with data
• Use numbered lists for recommendations
• Include data sources for all statistics
• Create smooth transitions between sections

Phase 5: Compilation & Review

Step 9: Compile LaTeX

cd writing_outputs/[project_folder]/drafts/
xelatex v1_market_report.tex
bibtex v1_market_report
xelatex v1_market_report.tex
xelatex v1_market_report.tex

Step 10: Quality Review

Verify the report meets quality standards:

• Total page count is 50+ pages
• All essential visuals (5-6 core + any additional) are included and render correctly
• Executive summary captures key findings
• All data points have sources cited
• Analysis frameworks are properly applied
• Recommendations are actionable and prioritized
• No orphaned figures or tables
• Table of contents, list of figures, list of tables are accurate
• Bibliography is complete
• PDF renders without errors

Step 11: Peer Review

Use the peer-review skill to evaluate the report:

• Assess comprehensiveness
• Verify data accuracy
• Check logical flow
• Evaluate recommendation quality

Quality Standards

Page Count Targets

Visual Quality Requirements

• Resolution: All images at 300 DPI minimum
• Format: PNG for raster, PDF for vector
• Accessibility: Colorblind-friendly palettes
• Consistency: Same color scheme throughout
• Labeling: All axes, legends, and data points labeled
• Source Attribution: Sources cited in figure captions

Data Quality Requirements

• Currency: Data no older than 2 years (prefer current year)
• Sourcing: All statistics attributed to specific sources
• Validation: Cross-reference multiple sources when possible
• Assumptions: All projections state underlying assumptions
• Limitations: Acknowledge data limitations and gaps

Writing Quality Requirements

• Objectivity: Present balanced analysis, acknowledge uncertainties
• Clarity: Avoid jargon, define technical terms
• Precision: Use specific numbers over vague qualifiers
• Structure: Clear headings, logical flow, smooth transitions
• Actionability: Recommendations are specific and implementable

LaTeX Formatting

Using the Style Package

The market_research.sty package provides professional formatting. Include it in your document:

\documentclass[11pt,letterpaper]{report}
\usepackage{market_research}

Box Environments

Use colored boxes to highlight key content:

% Key insight box (blue)
\begin{keyinsightbox}[Key Finding]
The market is projected to grow at 15.3% CAGR through 2030.
\end{keyinsightbox}

% Market data box (green)
\begin{marketdatabox}[Market Snapshot]
\begin{itemize}
    \item Market Size (2024): \$45.2B
    \item Projected Size (2030): \$98.7B
    \item CAGR: 15.3%
\end{itemize}
\end{marketdatabox}

% Risk box (orange/warning)
\begin{riskbox}[Critical Risk]
Regulatory changes could impact 40% of market participants.
\end{riskbox}

% Recommendation box (purple)
\begin{recommendationbox}[Strategic Recommendation]
Prioritize market entry in the Asia-Pacific region.
\end{recommendationbox}

% Callout box (gray)
\begin{calloutbox}[Definition]
TAM (Total Addressable Market) represents the total revenue opportunity.
\end{calloutbox}

Figure Formatting

\begin{figure}[htbp]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=0.9\textwidth]{../figures/market_growth.png}
\caption{Market Growth Trajectory (2020-2030). Source: Industry analysis, company data.}
\label{fig:market_growth}
\end{figure}

Table Formatting

\begin{table}[htbp]
\centering
\caption{Market Size by Region (2024)}
\begin{tabular}{@{}lrrr@{}}
\toprule
\textbf{Region} & \textbf{Size (USD)} & \textbf{Share} & \textbf{CAGR} \\
\midrule
North America & \$18.2B & 40.3\% & 12.5\% \\
\rowcolor{tablealt} Europe & \$12.1B & 26.8\% & 14.2\% \\
Asia-Pacific & \$10.5B & 23.2\% & 18.7\% \\
\rowcolor{tablealt} Rest of World & \$4.4B & 9.7\% & 11.3\% \\
\midrule
\textbf{Total} & \textbf{\$45.2B} & \textbf{100\%} & \textbf{15.3\%} \\
\bottomrule
\end{tabular}
\label{tab:market_by_region}
\end{table}

For complete formatting reference, see assets/FORMATTING_GUIDE.md.

Integration with Other Skills

This skill works synergistically with:

• research-lookup: Essential for gathering market data, statistics, and competitive intelligence
• scientific-schematics: Generate all diagrams, charts