An industry analysis systematically examines a defined target industry based on predefined criteria and questions . It serves to reliably assess a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats market entry analysis (national/international) or a market potential analysis . Crucial for the successful execution of an industry analysis is the clear delimitation of the relevant industry ( market segmentation ). Market research methods used for industry analysis include both secondary sources (e.g., statistics, publications from industry associations and companies, articles in leading industry journals) and primary market research methods (e.g., interviews with industry experts).