In 2015, the manufacturing and construction industries experienced high growth in profits and innovation. A number of trends gained momentum including the Internet of Things, next-shoring, and an increase in commercial buildings, single-family homes, and manufacturing plant construction.

To sustain and even surpass this year’s growth, companies will need to understand the trends that are expected to impact these industries in 2016. A range of factors such as e-commerce, robotics, security concerns, and green initiatives will influence these industries in the year to come. Read on to learn more.  

In this series, we spotlight specific publishers on Profound and MarketResearch.com. Through Q&A discussions, we highlight each publisher's unique expertise and how they help businesses get the insights they need to achieve mission-critical objectives. Today, we’re interviewing the Freedonia Group, a leading international market research company that publishes more than 400 studies annually. Learn more about them in the post below.

If marketers take a close look at their company website data, they will gain valuable insights to make those websites generate more sales leads and e-commerce revenue. In addition, the same data can improve lead and revenue production beyond the website — provided the data is shared throughout the organization, rather than confined to the website development team and Internet marketing analysts, as it often is. In this article, we’ll look at:

• Important data to review
• Important data gaps that must be filled
• How to use the data to improve lead and revenue production

Advancements in technology have allowed manufacturers to develop and sell devices with the abilities to do just about anything. In 2015, we were introduced to the iWatch, a hoverboard, and 3D printers in our homes, but what’s in store for 2016? Follow along in this blog to learn about five technology trends that will drive the consumer electronics market in the coming year.

The Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina supports entrepreneurial development and job creation in regions across the state. Through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Kenan Institute recently launched Technology Commercialization Carolina, a new initiative that promotes tech-based start-ups.

To drive business innovation and promote economic growth, the Kenan Institute provides research services to UNC faculty and a diverse client base across a wide array of industries. The Kenan Institute creates custom analytical reports for entrepreneurs who need current market data to develop business plans and secure funding. Although the Kenan Institute has access to a robust university library system, its staff needed a wider breadth of market research.

In a world where knowledge is power, what you don't know can hurt you. The good news: It's not so hard to find out what your rivals are up to. Competitive intelligence can drive your strategy, calm your fears about the future, and give your company a competitive edge. Competitive intelligence uses many of the same techniques as market research but deploys them to answer highly targeted and specific questions, rather than to gain insight into broad market trends.

Christmas day in my family is still extremely fun because we have a number of children that are still young enough that their faith in Santa Claus hasn’t faltered. They write long wish lists to Santa, and they wake up early on Christmas morning hoping they have received all the toys they want most.

For parents all across the U.S., finding the top gifts with the best deals is crucial for keeping Christmas spending within their budgets. In 2014, 42 percent of shoppers planned on buying toys as gifts. In this blog, we will cover three major presents for children during the holiday season, including toys, electronics, and gift cards.

In our publisher spotlight series, we are taking a closer look at specific publishers on Profound and MarketResearch.com. Through Q&A discussions, we highlight each publisher's unique expertise and how they help businesses achieve growth and overcome challenges. Today, we’re interviewing GlobalData, a top research firm that provides actionable insights into the energy and healthcare markets. Learn more about them in the post below.

Managing business risks is a key priority for many companies large and small — especially during tumultuous economic times. One way to protect your business is to conduct ongoing market research. By using expert industry analysis, you can avoid costly mistakes, forecast potential market fluctuations, and create an environment for success.

Market research is also critical during “make or break” moments, such as a new product launch. With the right data on hand, you will be better equipped to evaluate risks and rewards and make decisions that will pay off over the long term.

The Holy Grail of customer experience is one that has been purposefully built by a company and creates energized advocates. Customer experience leaders consider what the customer experience should be, and then consciously create a complete experience to fulfill that expectation.