| name | alterlab-market-research |
| description | Generates comprehensive market research reports (50+ pages) in the style of top consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Gartner), with professional LaTeX formatting, extensive visuals via scientific-schematics and generate-image, data gathering through research-lookup, and multi-framework strategic analysis (Porter Five Forces, PESTLE, SWOT, TAM/SAM/SOM, BCG Matrix). Use when producing a market analysis, competitive landscape, industry report, market-sizing study, or consulting-style strategic deliverable. NOT for a single focused, source-cited research question with no report/frameworks (use alterlab-deep-research) or for pulling raw financial data points from an API (use alterlab-alpha-vantage). Part of the AlterLab Academic Skills suite. |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Edit Bash |
| license | MIT |
| compatibility | No API key of its own; orchestrates other AlterLab skills (research-lookup, generate-image) whose own credentials apply. Requires a LaTeX toolchain for PDF output. |
| metadata | {"skill-author":"AlterLab","version":"1.0.0"} |
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
For ready-to-use generation prompts mapped to each section, see references/visual_generation_guide.md.
Report Structure (50+ Pages)
The standard structure is front matter, eleven core chapters, and back matter. The per-page targets and framework assignments below drive the 50+ page length; the chosen frameworks (Porter, PESTLE, SWOT, TAM/SAM/SOM, BCG) are what distinguish this from a generic write-up.
| # | Section | Pages | Primary frameworks |
|---|
| — | Front matter (cover, ToC/LoF/LoT, executive summary) | ~5 | Market snapshot, investment thesis |
| 1 | Market Overview & Definition | 4-5 | Ecosystem / value-chain mapping |
| 2 | Market Size & Growth | 6-8 | TAM/SAM/SOM, CAGR |
| 3 | Industry Drivers & Trends | 5-6 | PESTLE, driver impact matrix |
| 4 | Competitive Landscape | 6-8 | Porter's Five Forces, positioning matrix, strategic groups |
| 5 | Customer Analysis & Segmentation | 4-5 | Segmentation matrix, customer journey |
| 6 | Technology & Innovation Landscape | 4-5 | TRL, hype cycle, roadmap |
| 7 | Regulatory & Policy Environment | 3-4 | Regulatory timeline |
| 8 | Risk Analysis | 3-4 | Risk heatmap, mitigation matrix |
| 9 | Strategic Opportunities & Recommendations | 4-5 | Opportunity / priority matrices, SWOT |
| 10 | Implementation Roadmap | 3-4 | Phased Gantt, milestone tracker |
| 11 | Investment Thesis & Financial Projections | 3-4 | Scenario analysis, projections |
| — | Back matter (methodology, data tables, company profiles, bibliography) | ~5 | — |
For the full section-by-section content requirements, required visuals, and data points per chapter, load references/report_structure_guide.md. For market-data sourcing in Chapter 2 (and throughout), use the research-lookup skill to pull market-research reports (Gartner, Forrester, IDC), industry-association data, government statistics, and company financials — cite each figure.
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
Run the full Checklist: 50+ Page Validation (below) covering structure, visuals, content quality, and technical correctness before declaring the report done.
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
Summing the per-section page targets in the Report Structure table yields ~43 pages minimum and ~66 at target — comfortably clearing the 50+ page bar. If a draft falls short, expand appendix data tables, company profiles, and regional breakdowns rather than padding prose.
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 orchestrates several sibling skills:
- alterlab-research-lookup: gather market data, statistics, and competitive intelligence
- alterlab-scientific-schematics: generate diagrams, charts, matrices, and timelines
- alterlab-generate-image: create infographics and conceptual illustrations
- alterlab-peer-review: evaluate report quality and completeness
- alterlab-citation-mgmt: manage the BibTeX bibliography
Route elsewhere when the ask is narrower: a single source-cited research question → alterlab-deep-research; raw financial fundamentals from an API → alterlab-alpha-vantage.
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: Pass
--doc-type report for the report quality threshold, and --iterations 2 (the scientific-schematics max) for an extra refinement pass
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.
