Industry Information: Define the Industry

Define the Industry

When researching industry information, a good first step is to brainstorm the industry by making a list of appropriate keywords, including synonyms and related, narrower and broader terms. For example, when looking for information on the recording industry you can focus your search by using more specific terms such as recording studios or widen it to the entire music industry. To find additional keywords, try the thesaurus located in the top menu in Business Source Complete.

After compiling your list of keywords, find relevant industry classification codes using the indices found below. Use these keywords and codes when searching the databases and websites listed in this guide.

Determine the Industry Classification Code

Industry classification codes broadly classify the industry areas in which a company operates.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) uses two- through six-digit codes and is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying businesses. Developed jointly by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, NAICS allows for the comparability of business statistics across North America. NAICS replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system in 1997.

The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system uses four-digit codes. Though it has been replaced by NAICS, some publishers continue to use this classification system. However, NAICS provides classifications for many more business types.

The International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) system is maintained by the United Nations Statistics Division. Many countries around the world have used ISIC as their national activity classification or have developed national classifications derived from ISIC. ISIC is an important tool for comparing statistical data on economic activities at the international level.

Businesses are classified based on primary business activity. Look up the industry classification code using these indices:

NAICS Hierarchy

Example denoting NAICS hierarchy: economic sector, subsector, industry group, NAICS industry and national industry

Sector Description
11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
21 Mining, Quarrying and Oil and Gas Extraction
22 Utilities
23 Construction
31-33 Manufacturing
42 Wholesale Trade
44-45 Retail Trade
48-49 Transportation and Warehousing
51 Information
52 Finance and Insurance
53 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
54 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
55 Management of Companies and Enterprises
56 Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
61 Educational Services
62 Health Care and Social Assistance
71 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
72 Accommodation and Food Services
81 Other Services (except Public Administration)
92 Public Administration