238 added, 805 removed. Audit A to A.
---
name: market-research-reports
- description: Generate comprehensive market research reports (50+ pages) in the style of top consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Gartner). Features professional LaTeX formatting, extensive visual generation with scientific-schematics and generate-image, deep integration with research-lookup for data gathering, and multi-framework strategic analysis including Porter Five Forces, PESTLE, SWOT, TAM/SAM/SOM, and BCG Matrix.
- allowed-tools: Read Write Edit Bash
- license: MIT license
- metadata: {"version": "1.0", "skill-author": "K-Dense Inc."}
+ description: Build evidence-traceable market research reports and assumption-driven market sizing or forecast scenarios. Use for market definition, industry and customer evidence, competitive landscapes, TAM/SAM/SOM reconciliation, forecast sensitivity, and auditable report scaffolds.
+ license: MIT
+ compatibility: Python 3.11+ standard library for optional offline CLIs. The optional LaTeX template uses XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX. Online research requires user-approved network access and source-specific terms; bundled scripts make no network, LLM, or image calls.
+ metadata:
+ version: "1.1"
+ skill-author: "K-Dense Inc."
---
# 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
-
- ```bash
- # 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
-
- ```bash
- # 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)
-
- | Section | Priority Visuals | Optional Visuals |
- |---------|-----------------|------------------|
- | Executive Summary | Executive infographic (START) | - |
- | Market Size & Growth | Growth trajectory (START), TAM/SAM/SOM (START) | Regional breakdown, segment growth |
- | Competitive Landscape | Porter's Five Forces (START), Positioning matrix (START) | Market share chart, strategic groups |
- | Risk Analysis | Risk heatmap (START) | Mitigation matrix |
- | Strategic Recommendations | Opportunity matrix | Priority framework |
- | Implementation Roadmap | Timeline/Gantt | Milestone tracker |
- | Investment Thesis | Financial projections | Scenario analysis |
-
- **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)
+ ## Purpose
- **Content Requirements:**
- - Phased implementation plan
- - Key milestones and deliverables
- - Resource requirements
- - Timeline and sequencing
- - Dependencies and critical path
- - Governance structure
+ Create decision-focused market reports whose claims, calculations, assumptions,
+ and uncertainties can be audited. Match depth and format to the question and
+ evidence. There is no required length, chapter count, visual count, or output
+ format.
- **Required Visuals (2):**
- 1. Implementation timeline/Gantt chart
- 2. Milestone tracker or phase diagram
+ Do not:
- **Key Data Points:**
- - Phase durations
- - Resource requirements
- - Key milestones with dates
- - Budget allocation by phase
+ - imitate or imply affiliation with a consulting, analyst, or research brand;
+ - invent citations, quotes, market shares, or paid-market figures;
+ - present TAM/SAM/SOM or a forecast as one certain truth;
+ - treat a framework, chart, or fluent narrative as evidence;
+ - provide investment, legal, antitrust, tax, accounting, or regulatory advice.
- ---
+ ## Operating principles
- #### Chapter 11: Investment Thesis & Financial Projections (3-4 pages)
+ 1. **Define before sizing.** Fix product, customer, geography, channel, period,
+ measure, unit, denominator, currency/base year, and taxonomy.
+ 2. **Map every claim.** Every factual or quantitative claim has a claim ID and
+ exact source IDs.
+ 3. **Separate statement types.** Distinguish facts, estimates, calculations,
+ forecasts, opinions, and recommendations.
+ 4. **Prefer primary evidence.** Use official statistics, regulator records,
+ filed company disclosures, and transparent original studies before
+ secondary synthesis.
+ 5. **Preserve uncertainty.** Retain source conflicts, revisions, scenario
+ ranges, sensitivity, and limitations.
+ 6. **Keep methods reproducible.** Use local structured inputs and deterministic
+ calculations when practical.
+ 7. **Collect lawfully and ethically.** No deception, PII disclosure, access
+ circumvention, confidential material, or trade-secret acquisition.
- **Content Requirements:**
- - Investment summary
- - Financial projections
- - Scenario analysis
- - Return expectations
- - Key assumptions
- - Sensitivity analysis
+ ## Workflow
- **Required Visuals (2):**
- 1. Financial projection chart (revenue, growth)
- 2. Scenario analysis comparison
+ ### 1. Establish the research contract
- **Key Data Points:**
- - Revenue projections (3-5 years)
- - CAGR projections
- - ROI/IRR expectations
- - Key financial assumptions
+ Clarify:
- ---
+ - decision, audience, deadline, and materiality threshold;
+ - formal market definition and adjacent exclusions;
+ - buyer, payer, user, transaction, and value-chain level;
+ - geography and treatment of imports, exports, and channels;
+ - historical period, forecast period, and retrieval cutoff;
+ - revenue/expenditure, gross output/value added, units, capacity, users, or
+ another measure;
+ - stock/flow, gross/net, taxes, and denominator;
+ - currency, base year, and nominal/real/current/constant basis;
+ - industry and product classification with version;
+ - permitted data sources, primary research, confidentiality, and output format.
- ### Back Matter (~5 pages)
+ Ask a focused question when a missing choice would materially change the
+ denominator or result. Otherwise state a provisional scope and proceed.
- #### Appendix A: Methodology & Data Sources (1-2 pages)
- - Research methodology
- - Data collection approach
- - Data sources and citations
- - Limitations and assumptions
+ Use `references/report_structure_guide.md` for modular report design.
- #### Appendix B: Detailed Market Data Tables (2-3 pages)
- - Comprehensive market data tables
- - Regional breakdowns
- - Segment details
- - Historical data series
+ ### 2. Build the evidence plan
- #### Appendix C: Company Profiles (1-2 pages)
- - Brief profiles of key competitors
- - Financial highlights
- - Strategic focus areas
+ Route each question to the source closest to the underlying event:
- #### References/Bibliography
- - All sources cited
- - BibTeX format for LaTeX
+ 1. primary law, regulator decision, official filing, or official statistic;
+ 2. original company filing or attributable first-party disclosure;
+ 3. transparent survey/study with inspectable methods;
+ 4. institutional or peer-reviewed research using identifiable primary data;
+ 5. industry association data with disclosed coverage;
+ 6. reputable secondary synthesis;
+ 7. lawfully accessed paid estimate with inspectable scope and method;
+ 8. news/commentary for leads or attributable events.
- ---
+ For company data, prefer the official filing system in the relevant
+ jurisdiction. For industry, labor, prices, population, trade, and national
+ accounts, prefer the responsible national statistical agency or central bank.
+ For cross-country work, use harmonized World Bank, IMF, OECD, or Eurostat data
+ only after checking definitions and original-source lineage.
- ## Workflow
+ Read `references/official_data_sources.md` before using public APIs. API rules
+ and limits are a dated snapshot: verify current official terms before automated
+ or high-volume retrieval. Never put an API key in a report or bundled script.
- ### Phase 1: Research & Data Gathering
+ ### 3. Create the source ledger
- **Step 1: Define Scope**
- - Clarify market definition
- - Set geographic boundaries
- - Determine time horizon
- - Identify key questions to answer
+ Assign stable IDs (`S-001`, `S-002`, ...). Record:
- **Step 2: Conduct Deep Research**
+ - title, publisher, URL/persistent ID, source type;
+ - publication date and retrieval date;
+ - original producer when accessed through an aggregator;
+ - geography, covered population, period, and vintage;
+ - currency, base year, price basis, measure type, unit, and denominator;
+ - taxonomy and version;
+ - preliminary/revised/final/current status;
+ - method, sample, imputation, suppression, and limitations;
+ - license/terms and lawful local snapshot path.
- Use `research-lookup` extensively to gather market data:
+ Use `assets/source_ledger_template.csv` and validate it:
```bash
- # 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?"
+ python3 scripts/validate_evidence_ledger.py data/source_ledger.csv
```
- **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:
+ If publication date is unavailable, record `not-stated`; do not guess.
- - **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
+ ### 4. Maintain a claims ledger
- **Step 5: Develop Insights**
- - Synthesize findings into key insights
- - Identify strategic implications
- - Develop recommendations
- - Prioritize opportunities
+ Assign IDs (`C-001`, ...). Keep the exact claim text, statement type, source
+ IDs, report location, as-of date, geography, currency/base, measure/unit,
+ taxonomy, revision status, confidence, calculation ID, and assumption IDs.
- ### Phase 3: Visual Generation
+ Rules:
- **Step 6: Generate All Visuals**
+ - one end-of-paragraph citation does not support unrelated sentences;
+ - split compound claims that rely on different evidence;
+ - a calculation cites its inputs, not a source that never published the result;
+ - an aggregator and its original source are not independent corroboration;
+ - an interview theme is not population prevalence;
+ - absence of public feature evidence means `unknown`, not `no`.
- Generate visuals BEFORE writing the report. Use the batch generation script:
+ Audit mappings:
```bash
- # Generate all standard market report visuals
- python skills/market-research-reports/scripts/generate_market_visuals.py \
- --topic "[MARKET NAME]" \
- --output-dir figures/
+ python3 scripts/audit_claim_citations.py \
+ data/claims.csv data/source_ledger.csv
```
- Or generate individually:
-
- ```bash
- # 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
+ See `references/evidence_model.md`.
- # 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
+ ### 5. Size the market as scenarios
- # 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
+ #### Measurement guardrails
- # 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
+ Give every component a disjoint `coverage_key` and one shared
+ `denominator_id`. Do not add:
- # 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
+ - manufacturer revenue to distributor or end-customer spend;
+ - production, imports, and sales without trade/inventory reconciliation;
+ - parent and subsidiary revenue;
+ - bundles and their included components;
+ - gross output and value added;
+ - installed-base stock and annual transaction flow;
+ - overlapping customer or geographic segments.
- # 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
- ```
+ Use product classifications and supply-use logic when industry codes are too
+ broad. Preserve an unknown/residual category instead of forcing totals.
- ### Phase 4: Report Writing
+ #### Top-down and bottom-up
- **Step 7: Initialize Project Structure**
+ Compute independently:
- Create the standard project structure:
+ ```text
+ TAM_top = sum(disjoint in-scope component values)
- ```
- 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/
+ TAM_bottom =
+ sum(customer_count
+ * addressable_fraction
+ * annual_quantity_per_customer
+ * price_per_unit)
```
- **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
+ Then apply scenario-specific serviceability and capture assumptions:
- **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
+ ```text
+ SAM_s = TAM * serviceable_fraction_s
+ SOM_s = SAM_s * obtainable_share_s
+ ```
- ### Phase 5: Compilation & Review
+ Use at least two genuinely different scenarios; a downside/base/upside set is
+ usually useful. State horizon, constraints, evidence, and assumptions. SOM is
+ not a guaranteed revenue forecast.
- **Step 9: Compile LaTeX**
+ Run the deterministic calculator:
```bash
- 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
+ python3 scripts/calculate_market_sizing.py \
+ assets/market_sizing_scenarios_template.json
```
- **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
-
- | 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
+ Report both methods, midpoint-relative gap, scope differences, sensitivity, and
+ unresolved reconciliation. Do not average incompatible methods.
- ### Writing Quality Requirements
+ ### 6. Forecast with explicit uncertainty
- - **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
+ Separate observed, estimated, and forecast periods. Record series ID,
+ frequency, units, seasonal adjustment, transformations, taxonomy breaks,
+ retrieval date, and vintage/revisions.
- ---
+ For each scenario:
- ## LaTeX Formatting
+ - provide an annual rate path or driver equations;
+ - state demand, price, supply, regulation, competition, capacity, and timing
+ assumptions;
+ - list evidence and assumption IDs;
+ - identify conditions that invalidate the scenario.
- ### Using the Style Package
+ Do not call scenario bounds confidence or prediction intervals. Do not assign
+ probabilities without a validated probabilistic model and diagnostics.
- The `market_research.sty` package provides professional formatting. Include it in your document:
+ Run:
- ```latex
- \documentclass[11pt,letterpaper]{report}
- \usepackage{market_research}
+ ```bash
+ python3 scripts/forecast_sensitivity.py \
+ assets/forecast_sensitivity_template.json
```
- ### Box Environments
+ Show the range by year, endpoint sensitivity, influential assumptions, and
+ switching values. See `references/data_analysis_patterns.md`.
- Use colored boxes to highlight key content:
+ ### 7. Analyze customers and primary research
- ```latex
- % Key insight box (blue)
- \begin{keyinsightbox}[Key Finding]
- The market is projected to grow at 15.3% CAGR through 2030.
- \end{keyinsightbox}
+ For survey evidence, disclose sponsor, target population, frame,
+ probability/non-probability design, recruitment, mode/language, field dates,
+ unweighted sample, subgroup bases, weighting, response/participation,
+ instrument wording, precision, processing, and limitations.
- % 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}
+ For interviews/focus groups, disclose recruitment, consent, role coverage,
+ dates/mode, guide, coding, divergent evidence, privacy controls, and limits to
+ generalization.
- % Risk box (orange/warning)
- \begin{riskbox}[Critical Risk]
- Regulatory changes could impact 40% of market participants.
- \end{riskbox}
+ Never:
- % Recommendation box (purple)
- \begin{recommendationbox}[Strategic Recommendation]
- Prioritize market entry in the Asia-Pacific region.
- \end{recommendationbox}
+ - collect more personal data than necessary;
+ - place direct identifiers or raw recordings in report artifacts;
+ - use research as disguised selling or lead generation;
+ - misrepresent identity/purpose;
+ - pressure participants to reveal employer/customer secrets;
+ - report qualitative mention counts as market prevalence.
- % Callout box (gray)
- \begin{calloutbox}[Definition]
- TAM (Total Addressable Market) represents the total revenue opportunity.
- \end{calloutbox}
- ```
+ Follow `references/methods_and_ethics.md`.
- ### Figure Formatting
+ ### 8. Analyze competitors and concentration
- ```latex
- \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}
- ```
+ Define product and geographic scope from the customer perspective before
+ selecting competitors or calculating shares. Consider non-price dimensions,
+ channels, imports, digital/multi-sided features, innovation, and dynamic change
+ where relevant.
- ### Table Formatting
+ Use lawful public evidence and a common product edition, geography, and as-of
+ date. Validate a complete matrix:
- ```latex
- \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}
+ ```bash
+ python3 scripts/validate_competitor_matrix.py \
+ assets/competitor_feature_matrix_template.csv \
+ --source-ledger assets/source_ledger_template.csv
```
- 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
+ For shares, state revenue/units/capacity/users or other metric, denominator,
+ period, residual share, and source coverage. HHI/CRn are descriptive screens,
+ not legal conclusions. A TAM category is not automatically a relevant antitrust
+ market.
- ---
+ ### 9. Normalize units and definitions
- ## Example Prompts
+ Before combining values:
- ### Market Overview Section
+ - align geography, period, stock/flow, gross/net, unit, and denominator;
+ - convert currencies with an identified source and rate convention;
+ - align base year and nominal/real basis;
+ - do not force chained-dollar additivity;
+ - preserve taxonomy versions and document concordance uncertainty;
+ - record every conversion as a calculation.
- ```
- 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
+ Check comparison groups:
- Generate 2 supporting visuals using scientific-schematics.
+ ```bash
+ python3 scripts/check_unit_consistency.py \
+ assets/consistency_check_template.csv
```
- ### 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
+ ### 10. Draft and review
- Generate 4 supporting visuals including Porter's Five Forces diagram and positioning matrix.
- ```
+ Lead with findings and uncertainty, not frameworks. Use optional frameworks
+ only to organize questions; do not force scores or a fixed number of factors.
+ Keep recommendations separate from evidence and include dependencies,
+ trade-offs, decision thresholds, and disconfirming evidence.
- ### Strategic Recommendations Section
+ Visuals are optional. If used, build them from validated local data and include
+ scope, units, source IDs, calculation ID, observed/forecast distinction, and
+ limitations. See `references/visual_generation_guide.md`.
- ```
- 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 a Markdown workspace:
- Generate 3 supporting visuals including opportunity matrix and priority framework.
+ ```bash
+ python3 scripts/generate_report_scaffold.py \
+ assets/report_manifest_template.json ./market-report-workspace
```
- ---
-
- ## Checklist: 50+ Page Validation
-
- Before finalizing the report, verify:
-
- ### Structure Completeness
- - [ ] Cover page with hero visual
- - [ ] Table of contents (auto-generated)
- - [ ] List of figures (auto-generated)
- - [ ] List of tables (auto-generated)
- - [ ] Executive summary (2-3 pages)
- - [ ] All 11 core chapters present
- - [ ] Appendix A: Methodology
- - [ ] Appendix B: Data tables
- - [ ] Appendix C: Company profiles
- - [ ] References/Bibliography
-
- ### Visual Completeness (Core 5-6)
- - [ ] Market growth trajectory chart (Priority 1)
- - [ ] TAM/SAM/SOM diagram (Priority 2)
- - [ ] Porter's Five Forces (Priority 3)
- - [ ] Competitive positioning matrix (Priority 4)
- - [ ] Risk heatmap (Priority 5)
- - [ ] Executive summary infographic (Priority 6, optional)
-
- ### Additional Visuals (Generate as Needed)
- - [ ] Market ecosystem diagram
- - [ ] Regional breakdown chart
- - [ ] Segment growth chart
- - [ ] Industry trends/PESTLE diagram
- - [ ] Market share chart
- - [ ] Customer segmentation chart
- - [ ] Technology roadmap
- - [ ] Regulatory timeline
- - [ ] Opportunity matrix
- - [ ] Implementation timeline
- - [ ] Financial projections chart
- - [ ] Other section-specific visuals
-
- ### Content Quality
- - [ ] All statistics have sources
- - [ ] Projections include assumptions
- - [ ] Frameworks properly applied
- - [ ] Recommendations are actionable
- - [ ] Writing is professional quality
- - [ ] No placeholder or incomplete sections
-
- ### Technical Quality
- - [ ] PDF compiles without errors
- - [ ] All figures render correctly
- - [ ] Cross-references work
- - [ ] Bibliography complete
- - [ ] Page count exceeds 50
-
- ---
-
- ## Resources
-
- ### Reference Files
-
- Load these files for detailed guidance:
-
- - **`references/report_structure_guide.md`**: Detailed section-by-section content requirements
- - **`references/visual_generation_guide.md`**: Complete prompts for generating all visual types
- - **`references/data_analysis_patterns.md`**: Templates for Porter's, PESTLE, SWOT, etc.
-
- ### Assets
-
- - **`assets/market_research.sty`**: LaTeX style package
- - **`assets/market_report_template.tex`**: Complete LaTeX template
- - **`assets/FORMATTING_GUIDE.md`**: Quick reference for box environments and styling
-
- ### Scripts
-
- - **`scripts/generate_market_visuals.py`**: Batch generate all report visuals
-
- ---
-
- ## Troubleshooting
-
- ### Common Issues
+ Or use the optional LaTeX assets:
- **Problem**: Report is under 50 pages
- - **Solution**: Expand data tables in appendices, add more detailed company profiles, include additional regional breakdowns
+ - `assets/market_report_template.tex`
+ - `assets/market_research.sty`
+ - `assets/FORMATTING_GUIDE.md`
- **Problem**: Visuals not rendering
- - **Solution**: Check file paths in LaTeX, ensure images are in figures/ folder, verify file extensions
+ ## Release gate
- **Problem**: Bibliography missing entries
- - **Solution**: Run bibtex after first xelatex pass, check .bib file for syntax errors
+ - Market boundary, taxonomy, denominator, geography, and period are explicit.
+ - Every factual/quantitative claim maps to exact source IDs.
+ - Publication/retrieval dates, revisions, method, and limitations are recorded.
+ - Currency/base year, nominal/real basis, stock/flow, and units are consistent.
+ - Top-down and bottom-up methods use disjoint coverage and are reconciled.
+ - TAM/SAM/SOM and forecasts are conditional scenarios with sensitivity.
+ - Survey/interview evidence carries method, privacy, and inference limits.
+ - Competitor evidence is lawful, dated, scoped, and uses `unknown` honestly.
+ - Source conflicts and revisions remain visible.
+ - No fabricated/unsupported paid figures, PII, trade secrets, deceptive
+ collection, brand impersonation, or investment-advice framing appears.
- **Problem**: Table/figure overflow
- - **Solution**: Use `\resizebox` or `adjustbox` package, reduce image width percentage
+ ## Bundled resources
- **Problem**: Poor visual quality from generation
- - **Solution**: Use `--doc-type report` flag, increase iterations with `--iterations 5`
+ ### References
- ---
+ - `references/report_structure_guide.md` — modular report architecture.
+ - `references/evidence_model.md` — claim-source mapping and provenance.
+ - `references/data_analysis_patterns.md` — sizing, forecast, consistency,
+ survey, and concentration methods.
+ - `references/official_data_sources.md` — current official source/API routing.
+ - `references/methods_and_ethics.md` — survey, interview, privacy, competitor,
+ and antitrust safeguards.
+ - `references/visual_generation_guide.md` — optional evidence-led displays.
+ - `references/sources.md` — dated authoritative source ledger.
- 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.
+ ### Templates and CLIs
+ Use the templates in `assets/` as synthetic schemas, not real-world evidence.
+ All scripts in `scripts/` are standard-library, bounded, local-only tools. They
+ reject oversized or malformed input, do not follow symlink inputs, do not
+ overwrite outputs without explicit permission, and make no network, LLM, image,
+ dynamic-evaluation, or pickle calls.