As of 2015, the global market for graphene remained in its infancy, with approximately three-fourths of spending dedicated to R&D activities. Challenges related to manufacturing processes and methods of modifying graphene have prevented wider adoption of the material and limited commercialization to just a handful of graphene-based products. As manufacturing technologies advance and prices fall, more and more products are expected to reach market readiness, boosting commercial graphene demand relative to R&D spending across several segments.

In recent years, corporate brand and marketing teams have pushed their market research departments and agencies to go beyond using PowerPoint presentations to efficiently deliver data and insights. As a result, they’re increasingly turning to online dashboards to create informative stories, observe and act on customer feedback, and analyze trends, all with the goal of inspiring and driving action. But effective online dashboards must be built properly. Below are seven tips to take into consideration to ensure you fully leverage the power of online dashboards.

Soaring demand growth and skyrocketing prices are making 2016 a very exciting year for lithium — the highly reactive, silvery white metal that has revolutionized the rechargeable battery industry. Portable electronics, including everything from smartphones to laptops, rely on lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. But it will be electric vehicles (EVs) that drive lithium sales going forward, boosting prices while placing increasing pressure on global supplies. 

Demand in the US for behind-the-wall plumbing products is projected to advance 6.5 percent annually to $12.4 billion in 2020. The industry encompasses water distribution systems, which carry water from supply mains to fixtures and faucets; drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, which transport wastewater and other materials to sewer mains; and fire suppression systems, including valves and sprinkler heads.

While demand continues to grow, manufacturers and plumbing contractors face new challenges related to water conservation. Stringent water use standards and low-flow fixtures — coupled with an increasing number of bathrooms in single-family homes — are stressing some waste systems in the US. Read more about the growing need for an ever more complicated network of pipes and valves to handle our modern needs.

As a leading provider of market research reports, MarketResearch.com is regularly cited in the media. Our four publishing divisions — including Packaged Facts, the Freedonia Group, Kalorama Information, and Simba Information — are frequently quoted in a wide variety of trade journals and business publications as well.

Here are some press highlights from March and early April, with short excerpts to reference the fact or quote included in each article.

As an introduction into the spring season, April has been dubbed Lawn and Garden Month. With the weather warming up and trees starting to bloom, it’s the perfect time for consumers to get their yards ready for new landscaping, plants, and gardens.

Read our blog post and check out our infographic to learn about the market for lawn and garden equipment and supplies.

In early 2014, the US folding carton sector looked as though it might begin to rebound. At that time, US exports of premium paperboard – SBS/SBB folding carton, liquid packaging board (LPB), and cup/plate stock – looked solid, and US converters had little incentive to source imported paperboard. US recycled grades were getting a boost by surging craft beer sales. US producers enjoyed a reputation for a quality product that could not be matched by many Asian (non-Japanese) suppliers, and longstanding supply relationships that had endured the financial crisis of 2008-2010 existed in the US and many foreign markets.

It's a fascinating time to be working in the field of market research, and there is always something new to learn. Each week, we’ve shared practical tips on the MarketResearch.com blog to help you navigate the market research process from start to finish.

We’ve taken a look back at the past year and rounded up the most popular posts on market research strategy that were published in 2015. Read on for a variety of insights and ideas.

As patients take a more proactive role in their own health care, direct-to-consumer (DTC) laboratory testing is becoming increasingly popular. DTC genetic tests allow consumers to access information about their genetics without necessarily involving healthcare professionals in the process. 

A number of established and emerging companies are competing in this growing market. Kalorama Information, a healthcare market research firm, recently profiled a variety of prominent market participants in its report The Market for Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing and Routine Laboratory Testing. This blog post highlights 9 of these companies that are among the leaders in the industry.

In our last blog post, we interviewed David Featherstone, M.S., Ph.D., professor of biological sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, to hear his perspective on the value of market research in a university setting. According to Dr. Featherstone, market research reports are a useful tool that can help demonstrate the practical applications of scientific knowledge.

When students learn how scientific research is being used in different industries, Dr. Featherstone said, they can start to think outside the box when it comes to future career opportunities. They’ll also be more empowered to pursue lifelong learning opportunities and be cognizant of the resources that real-world professionals use every day.