B2B MARKET RESEARCH IN GERMANY: A DISCIPLINE WITH SPECIAL FEATURES

Market research projects in the German business-to-business (B2B) sector differ considerably from comparable tasks in end-customer markets (business-to-consumer or B2C). For example, industrial market research in Germany often requires a different methodological approach than analyses in consumer markets. Other data sources have to be evaluated, and the scope of available secondary information is limited, especially in very technical or innovative industries. Against this background, expert interviews with market participants and customers, for example, play an essential role in assessing market opportunities and risks in industrial market research.

The Munich-based market research company MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH specializes in B2B market research and market & competition analysis. Since the company was founded in 2007, our team has specialized in the analysis of market developments in the automotive, mechanical engineering, electronics, medical technology and energy technology sectors. Since then, we have been able to realize more than 300 successful projects in the industry for our clients.

CURRENT PROJECT EXAMPLES OF OUR B2B MARKET RESEARCH

For industrial companies we develop customized market studies, which are individually tailored to the respective requirements. Click on the project examples to get to know some exemplary projects of MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH in the field of industry.

Setting up the charging infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges in the implementation of electromobility. The market for charging technology includes providers of wallboxes, charging cables and AC and DC charging stations. Innovative technologies such as inductive charging systems and bidirectional charging are also developing. For our client, a leading manufacturer of charging cables for e-mobility, we analyzed the market for charging cables in Germany, Europe and worldwide as well as the leading providers of charging systems on the market. Our B2B market research on e-mobility cables and charging systems was used by our client to make well-founded decisions on the strategic development of the division.

What market opportunities does the future of autonomous, connected vehicles offer for automotive suppliers outside the electronics and software sector? How will self-driving vehicles affect the overall market and the demand for certain vehicle components? How are service concepts and spare parts needs changing as part of a "shared mobility" future? A leading international automotive supplier in the field of chassis components commissioned us to analyze these strategic questions as part of a customer-specific B2B market research project.

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) automatically transport goods and production materials in warehouses and production halls. Thanks to sensor technology, they can navigate safely even in dynamic environments, avoid obstacles and head for different destinations independently. The market for AMRs is a clear growth market: by 2025, the number of units is expected to increase by 40% per year, reaching around 572 thousand units per year worldwide. For our client, a major supplier in the sensor technology sector, we analyzed growth potential in the AMR market in a customer-specific B2B market research project and examined the leading technology companies in the industry.

For an innovative new development by a mechanical engineering company in the field of waterjet cutting, we conducted B2B market research to investigate market potential, the competitive situation and customer requirements in Europe. Through more than 30 in-depth interviews with numerous potential users in the contract manufacturing and supplier industry, the B2B market research provided a clear picture of the sector and its potential. The results of our analysis became the reliable basis for our client's further market development strategy.

In a customer-specific market entry analysis, we analyzed the market for powertrain test benches, engine test benches and chassis test benches for our client, a medium-sized manufacturer of high-performance electric motors. Of particular relevance in the analysis was the currently fast-growing segment for electric motor test benches, which have to be designed for particularly high speeds and are currently in high demand. We conducted structured B2B market research for our client on market sizes, growth forecasts, the most important test bench manufacturers in Europe and the competitive situation. Extensive interviews with decision-makers at the leading test bench manufacturers enabled our client to gain an in-depth understanding of industry requirements. The results of our analysis became the basis for our client's strategic orientation in this attractive market segment.

Single-use inhalers are becoming increasingly important in the global market as an innovative form of administering active medical ingredients. Worldwide, nearly 1 billion inhalers are produced annually. For our client, a supplier of special inhaler components, we developed a systematic international research on market potentials and leading manufacturers of inhalers in Europe.

The increasing possibilities of improved analysis and test procedures in the laboratory and new rapid tests for use in the doctor's surgery or directly by the patient are creating a growing demand for point of care (POC) test systems. In order to exploit the opportunities offered by this innovative market segment, a supplier company planning to enter the market commissioned us to conduct Europe-wide B2B market research in this segment. By evaluating extensive secondary sources, we developed an up-to-date overview of the current situation in the market for POC tests, the most important competitors in the sector and the 50 most important target customers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Traditional energy suppliers are currently investing heavily in the expansion of innovative energy services. Examples of new business areas include decentralized generation solutions, energy storage systems, solutions for electromobility and smart home offerings. Large energy companies such as E.ON are planning to generate EUR 1 billion a year with these new solutions. Precise market knowledge and an accurate overview of the competitive landscape are essential for the development of new business areas. For our client, a B2B customer from the energy industry, we analyzed the market for energy services in Germany in a customer-specific trend analysis.

FOCUS SECTORS OF OUR INDUSTRIAL MARKET RESEARCH

Our company analyzes the opportunities in tomorrow's markets for you: autonomous, networked vehicles, intelligent production facilities, renewable energy technology, smart homes and connected medical devices are just some of the market developments that offer great potential for innovative industrial companies. Our market segments at a glance:

Automotive

Current market data and trends for OEMs, automotive suppliers and innovative service providers

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Electromobility

Trends and innovations in the field of electric vehicles, charging technology and fuel cells

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Mechanical Engineering

Market potential and growth opportunities for innovative mechanical engineering companies and suppliers worldwide

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Medical Technology

Growth potential and innovations for medical technology manufacturers and suppliers

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Electronics

New markets and potential in the growth markets of electronics and semiconductors

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Energy

Current market data and forecasts in energy technology worldwide

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR B2B MARKET RESEARCH

Here we answer some common questions asked by our clients about conducting B2B market research:

B2B market research stands for market research in the business-to-business sector. This refers to market research in industries that supply their products and services exclusively to corporate customers and institutional buyers (B2B companies). Important B2B sectors include automotive suppliers, mechanical engineering companies, suppliers in the field of electrical engineering or companies in the field of energy technology. IT and software companies also frequently supply industrial customers and therefore usually fall into the B2B sector. B2B sectors supply corporate customers in the industrial value chain. B2B market research is therefore distinct from B2C market research (business-to-consumer).

B2B markets are often technical in nature, so B2B market researchers need technical background knowledge and an understanding of the market. Many market analyses in the B2B sector also deal with specific niche markets for which less data is available compared to consumer goods markets. Market research in the B2B sector therefore requires knowledge of methods and sources and access to industry-relevant specialist sources. Due to the highly international nature of B2B markets, market researchers should also be able to obtain market and company information across national borders.

The most important questions in B2B market research are (1) market size and potential, (2) future market growth, (3) competitive situation and strategic analysis of the main competitors, (4) customer structure and customer requirements and (5) trends and developments in the industry. Nevertheless, no two B2B market research studies at MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH are the same: As each B2B market analysis is individually adapted to customer requirements, priorities can be set in order to tailor the market study to the respective information needs.

To obtain B2B market information, we use, for example, specialized international company databases, industrial trade press databases and international business report databases. Particularly important: Thanks to our experience from more than 300 B2B market research projects, we can reliably assess the reliability of relevant industry sources. We also frequently conduct expert telephone interviews with market experts and decision-makers in the industry under investigation in order to obtain a neutral and up-to-date picture of the market.

In technical niches and innovative areas in particular, expert interviews are essential in order to obtain a solid assessment of market opportunities and risks. MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH therefore supplements the structured secondary research in most cases with systematic expert interviews.

We identify suitable contacts in the value chain, e.g. potential B2B customers, market partners, suppliers, institutes, research facilities or authorities. Our network of several hundred completed B2B market research projects helps us to quickly reach the right interviewee in order to collect the necessary data. By conducting open interviews, we ensure that the interviewees are willing to cooperate. Each interview yields valuable information that enables a better assessment of opportunities, risks and development potential in the target market. An online survey, as is often used for B2C companies, rarely leads to the desired result for companies in the industrial environment. The above-mentioned open discussion coupled with specific industry-related knowledge, for example on business relationships, target groups or the positioning of the surveyed company in the B2B market, are important success factors for successfully collecting the desired information.

B2B market research requires a methodology adapted to the specific circumstances. Specific knowledge of sources in the industry is critical to success; the market research agency should be able to provide relevant industry references in your industry. Access to market experts is not only important for a precise understanding of target groups, customers, competition and possible potential, but also for defining your own niche and important terms/products. It is therefore advisable to work with a specialized consulting firm that has extensive experience and expertise in the relevant market segment when conducting industry market research.

Do you have further questions about your B2B market research? We are happy to be your contact partner.

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INDIVIDUAL IMPLEMENTATION FOR YOUR MARKET SEGMENTS

Industrial market research by MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH is as individual as the client's specific situation. For example, we conduct market studies for industrial companies looking to market entry for a new product. Our clients also frequently use the results of our industrial market research for the strategic orientation of a company division or for competitor analysis.

To support sales, we regularly conduct B2B customer analyses and B2B target group analyses and interview decision-makers at key target customers about their requirements and challenges. We also support investors, investment companies and M&A consultancies with commercial due diligence in the context of company acquisitions and takeovers.

FOCUS: INDUSTRIAL MARKET RESEARCH FOR 5 CORE INDUSTRIES

MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH specializes in B2B market analysis and industrial market research in technical industries. With our clear focus, we support clients from the automotive (OEM and supplier), electronics, mechanical engineering, energy and medical technology industries with individual B2B market research. You can find numerous project examples of already realized B2B market analyses in the section Focus industries.

For these focus industries, we have developed a structured approach to B2B market research since the company was founded in 2007, which enables a holistic and robust evaluation of markets and companies:

Kick-Off

Comprehensive coordination at the start of the project with the client in personal meetings or telephone consultations - Based on numerous checklists and extensive experience gained from more than 300 completed projects, we create the prerequisites for a successful start to B2B market research.

Structured secondary research

We have access to all essential sources of industrial market research such as international company databases, specialized press databases, patent databases or market study portals. Due to our many years of experience in B2B market analysis, we can solidly assess the resilience and credibility of individual sources.

Expert interviews

Through open interviews with market participants, decision-makers at customers and other market experts, we collect information that is not available through secondary sources in B2B market research. Especially in innovative and complex markets, these interviews make it possible to realistically assess opportunities as well as risks in new markets for a B2B market analysis.

Expert interviews are an elementary tool for achieving the objectives of market research in the B2B environment. However, the methods of market research should also be diverse for B2B companies and the B2B approach should therefore include several methods (especially secondary research).

Analysis and implications

We compile the information from secondary research and expert interviews and analyze the implications for our client. We discuss the results with you in personal meetings or telephone conferences and derive recommendations for action and strategic development paths for successful market cultivation.

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN B2B MARKET RESEARCH

MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH offers individual analyses for automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, electronics, energy and other technology-driven industries.

Our customers are medium-sized and larger manufacturers, suppliers and service providers who are planning systematic growth in new market segments, want to reduce their company's dependence on a few strong customers in a particular sector or want to benefit from opportunities in future markets.

We also routinely support sophisticated M&A boutiques, investors and internationally active trade fair companies with complex market analyses.

PROFESSIONAL B2B MARKET RESEARCH OF UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY - EXTENSIVE REFERENCES

Managing directors, sales managers, strategy and business development managers at more than 100 client companies rely on our meticulous B2B market research for one central reason: the uncompromising quality and reliability of the results of our market analyses. Our discerning clients also appreciate the personal and open cooperation with our team and express this in numerous references - please see for yourself.

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INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING FOR YOUR COMPANY ANALYSIS

Trustful personal cooperation and the high quality and resilience of our analyses are top priorities at MEYER INDUSTRY RESEARCH.

 Gerne beraten wir Sie im Vorfeld einer möglichen Zusammenarbeit bei einer Marktstudie intensiv und unverbindlich, auf Wunsch auch bei einem persönlichen Termin bei Ihnen vor Ort. Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Anfrage und erstellen Ihnen gerne Ihr individuelles Angebot!

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