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
Well-chosen visuals make a market research report far easier to navigate. Add figures where they clarify market structure, scale, competition, or risk — not as a quota. A handful of strong, accurate visuals beats a wall of decorative ones.
Visual Generation Tools
If a diagram or figure would aid comprehension, invoke the alterlab-scientific-schematics skill (diagrams/schematics) or the alterlab-generate-image skill (images). Figures are optional — add them only where they improve clarity.
Diagrams/schematics work well 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
Generated images work well for:
- Executive summary hero infographics
- Industry/sector conceptual illustrations
- Abstract technology visualizations
- Cover page imagery
Suggested Visuals by Section
| Section | Visuals that often help |
|---|
| Executive Summary | Executive infographic |
| Market Size & Growth | Growth trajectory, TAM/SAM/SOM, regional breakdown, segment growth |
| Competitive Landscape | Porter's Five Forces, positioning matrix, market share chart, strategic groups |
| Risk Analysis | Risk heatmap, mitigation matrix |
| Strategic Recommendations | Opportunity matrix, priority framework |
| Implementation Roadmap | Timeline/Gantt, milestone tracker |
| Investment Thesis | Financial projections, scenario analysis |
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
Suggested Visuals:
- Market ecosystem/value chain diagram
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Market growth trajectory chart (historical + projected)
- TAM/SAM/SOM concentric circles diagram
- Regional market breakdown (pie chart or treemap)
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Industry trends timeline or radar chart
- Driver impact matrix
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Porter's Five Forces diagram
- Market share pie chart or bar chart
- Competitive positioning matrix (2x2)
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Customer segmentation breakdown (pie/treemap)
- Segment attractiveness matrix
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Technology roadmap diagram
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Risk heatmap (probability vs impact)
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Opportunity matrix
- Strategic options framework
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Implementation timeline/Gantt chart
- 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
Suggested Visuals:
- Financial projection chart (revenue, growth)
- 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 the companion research-lookup skill extensively to gather market data. Run focused
queries across each dimension of the analysis, for example:
- Market size and growth: "What is the current market size and projected growth rate
for [MARKET] industry? Include TAM, SAM, SOM estimates and CAGR projections"
- Competitive landscape: "Who are the top 10 competitors in the [MARKET] market? What
is their market share and competitive positioning?"
- Industry trends: "What are the major trends and growth drivers in the [MARKET]
industry for 2024-2030?"
- Regulatory environment: "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: Visuals
Step 6: Plan and Generate Visuals
Decide which figures genuinely aid the report, then generate them. Useful candidates and the kind of content each conveys:
- Market growth trajectory — bar chart of market size 2020–2034, historical vs. projected bars, with a CAGR annotation.
- TAM/SAM/SOM breakdown — concentric circles for Total / Serviceable Addressable / Serviceable Obtainable Market, each labeled.
- Porter's Five Forces — center "Competitive Rivalry" box with the four surrounding forces, color-coded by rating.
- Competitive positioning matrix — 2x2 with axes such as Market Focus (Niche↔Broad) and Solution Approach (Product↔Platform), competitors plotted as sized circles.
- Risk heatmap — Impact vs. Probability grid with risks plotted and color-graded.
- Executive summary infographic — a hero image synthesizing the report's headline metrics.
If a diagram or figure would aid comprehension, invoke the alterlab-scientific-schematics skill (diagrams/schematics) or the alterlab-generate-image skill (images). Figures are optional — add them only where they improve clarity.
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:
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
| Section | Minimum Pages | Target Pages |
|---|
| Front Matter | 4 | 5 |
| Market Overview | 4 | 5 |
| Market Size & Growth | 5 | 7 |
| Industry Drivers | 4 | 6 |
| Competitive Landscape | 5 | 7 |
| Customer Analysis | 3 | 5 |
| Technology Landscape | 3 | 5 |
| Regulatory Environment | 2 | 4 |
| Risk Analysis | 2 | 4 |
| Strategic Recommendations | 3 | 5 |
| Implementation Roadmap | 2 | 4 |
| Investment Thesis | 2 | 4 |
| Back Matter | 4 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 43 | 66 |
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, and visualizations
- generate-image: Create infographics and conceptual illustrations
- peer-review: Evaluate report quality and completeness
- citation-management: Manage BibTeX references
Example Prompts
Market Overview Section
Write a comprehensive market overview section for the [Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure] market. Include:
- Clear market definition and scope
- Industry ecosystem with key stakeholders
- Value chain analysis
- Historical evolution of the market
- Current market dynamics
Generate 2 supporting visuals using scientific-schematics.
Competitive Landscape Section
Analyze the competitive landscape for the [Cloud Computing] market. Include:
- Porter's Five Forces analysis with High/Medium/Low ratings
- Top 10 competitors with market share
- Competitive positioning matrix
- Strategic group mapping
- Barriers to entry analysis
Generate 4 supporting visuals including Porter's Five Forces diagram and positioning matrix.
Strategic Recommendations Section
Develop strategic recommendations for entering the [Renewable Energy Storage] market. Include:
- 5-7 prioritized recommendations
- Opportunity sizing for each
- Implementation considerations
- Risk factors and mitigations
- Success criteria
Generate 3 supporting visuals including opportunity matrix and priority framework.
Checklist: 50+ Page Validation
Before finalizing the report, verify:
Structure Completeness
Visual Completeness (Core 5-6)
Additional Visuals (Generate as Needed)
Content Quality
Technical Quality
Resources
Reference Files
Load these files for detailed guidance:
references/report_structure_guide.md: Detailed section-by-section content requirementsreferences/visual_generation_guide.md: Complete prompts for generating all visual typesreferences/data_analysis_patterns.md: Templates for Porter's, PESTLE, SWOT, etc.
Assets
assets/market_research.sty: LaTeX style packageassets/market_report_template.tex: Complete LaTeX templateassets/FORMATTING_GUIDE.md: Quick reference for box environments and styling
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Problem: Report is under 50 pages
- Solution: Expand data tables in appendices, add more detailed company profiles, include additional regional breakdowns
Problem: Visuals not rendering
- Solution: Check file paths in LaTeX, ensure images are in figures/ folder, verify file extensions
Problem: Bibliography missing entries
- Solution: Run bibtex after first xelatex pass, check .bib file for syntax errors
Problem: Table/figure overflow
- Solution: Use
\resizebox or adjustbox package, reduce image width percentage
Problem: Poor visual quality from generation
- Solution: Use
--doc-type report flag, increase iterations with --iterations 5
Use this skill to create comprehensive, visually-rich market research reports that rival top consulting firm deliverables. The combination of deep research, structured frameworks, and extensive visualization produces documents that inform strategic decisions and demonstrate analytical rigor.