Secondary/Desk Research

Secondary (or desk) research uses existing sources to develop an initial understanding of markets, competitors, and industry dynamics. It is often used to frame a research problem, estimate market parameters, identify competitors, or provide context for primary research.

Sources may include industry reports, trade association publications, government statistics, regulatory filings, annual reports, financial databases, press releases, company websites, and other publicly available materials.

Desk research typically provides directional information rather than definitive answers. This is because publicly available information is typically incomplete, fragmented, or inconsistent, especially for privately held companies, niche sectors, or emerging technologies.

Getting value from secondary research relies on the ability to connect disparate sources, identify patterns, and apply judgment to develop a coherent view of the market.