eiu custom research capabilities presentation

Who we are | What we do | How we do it | What we deliver | Case studies

Custom Research Capabilities

Who we are

Who we are What we do How we do it Case studiesWhat we deliver

The Economist Intelligence Unit

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s forecasting and analysis has informed government and industry around the world since 1946, when we were founded as the research arm of The Economist. Like The Economist we are independent of all governing bodies and corporations. For the last 65 years we have provided focused business insight on any given industry, country and market to help clients take advantage of new opportunities, maximise capabilities and support both tactical and strategic decision making.


The Economist Group

Core expertise: Helping clients to prepare for opportunity Our EIU subscription expertise covers political, economic and business developments in 203 countries, across 6 key industries and 26 sub-sectors delivered via data, analysis, forecasts and comprehensive risk models.

Custom Research: Clear, concise and conclusive outcomes Building upon the solid foundation of the EIU’s core expertise, the Custom Research division provides actionable outcomes to bespoke research that is both cost and time effective, enabling clients to better understand current markets and growth opportunities at a strategic or operational level.

The Economist umbrella: Engage with ideas people For clients looking to engage with a highly influential audience of global decision makers, we are uniquely positioned to leverage print, online and digital media, as well as live audiences via the huge media platform that is The Economist, economist.com, Economist Corporate Network and Economist Conferences.


Global coverage, local insight

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5027

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380 full-time and contributing analysts


What makes us unique

Relentless rigour Our unique and collaborative approach to client needs, combined with a rigorous research methodology and the provision of robust actionable outcomes and solutions is the principle reason why we are a trusted research partner for the world’s leading companies, financial institutions and governments. Integrity, independence and impartiality We are not beholden to anyone and do not participate in the financial markets. Our business intelligence is wholly impartial and untainted by financial self interest. Comprehensive and in-depth global reach and coverage Our tailored research is underpinned by subscription services which cover countries and markets too small to be considered by other services that typically inform our competitors' research and analysis. High level of repeat business We specialise in a highly collaborative working style that provides clients with insight that directly drives business decisions. Our high level of repeat business is a testimony to the value that we constantly deliver.

What we do


What we do

The EIU has answersUsing a macroeconomic framework and our toolkit of core expertise, we deliver actionable business insights enabling clients to act with confidence.

Clients have questionsClients come to us with questions relating to opportunities or risks their businesses face, or for analysis that will inform strategic decision making.


MethodologyHow we do it »

Case StudyView a case study »

Benchmarking & indexing

Benchmarking& indexing

Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting

Market sizing &product demand

Riskanalysis

What is it?We combine analytic and modeling capabilities with access to global experts to develop customised indexes and benchmarks that highlight particular factors that organisations needs to be aware of. This enables clients to prioritise markets for expansion and pinpoint hidden opportunities for growth and profitability.




Country analysis

What is it?We provide an in-depth understanding of specific political and economic issues and forecasts including scenario analysis.

Be it business environment analysis or cross-country benchmarking—our global reach and ability to focus on our client’s business needs within a cross-country framework is unparalleled.


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis




Industry analysis


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

What is it?We offer detailed, sector-specific information covering key strategic industries and their sub-sectors in the both the biggest global markets, as well as smaller, less established markets.




Forecasting


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

What is it?We are able to help clients understand where the greatest demand for your products or services will come from—now, and over time.

Our ability to accurately forecast over years and decades combined with our ability to offer more granular research allows us to do this effectively.




Market sizing & product demand


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

What is it?We help clients determine the best markets in which to expand, how to expand effectively, and what organisations need in order to be ready to manage this expansion. We do this by drawing from our peerless databases of macroeconomic and demographic analysis and forecasting, combined with sophisticated econometric modeling services and in some cases through access to industry leaders.




Risk analysis


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

What is it?We can identify obstacles companies may face from exposure to new markets and new opportunities. We place this in a comparative framework that sets unfamiliar markets and situations alongside known places and activities.

We can provide country-specific, operational and financial risk ratings to help make informed decisions on a number of different indicators, including early warning of possible market and industry threats in areas such as security, tax policy, supply chain, regulatory, creditworthiness and labour markets.

How we do it


We work closely with our clients to understand both the specific objectives for the project as well as the broader context within which the project deliverables will be used.

About project management »

How we do it


DefinitionWhat it is »



How do we do it?Key stages in benchmarking and index development projects include: • definition of scope as to what is being measured: cities, countries,

development, sophistication, or other aspect.• selection of statistically relevant and meaningful indicators where robust

and comparable data is largely available • agreement on the format of data output for maximum usability — ie excel

model, website, PDF report, iPad app etc. Data is collected via in-house sources, direct in-country research, desk research, and input from surveys and other primary research. All data is thoroughly cross checked and any data weighting added. A data model that can support manipulations and comparisons is built with an appropriate data visualisation ‘front end’ that allows end users interactive access to the index.


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis




Country analysis


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

How do we do it?Bespoke country analysis leverages our in-house country data and analysis from our subscription research business.

Supplementary research techniques are implemented to build an information set including: • desk research• in-country research and analysis• country based surveys• stakeholder research

A number of analytical frameworks providing assessment, interpretation and comparisons of countries, regions or even cities are applied. At this stage a series of developmental assumptions can be implemented to create a forward view on specific issues, create developmental or risk roadmaps, or provide a country data dashboard.




Industry analysis


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

How do we do it?We deliver industry insights and actionable conclusions on topics such as: • competitive environment assessment• forecasts and scenario development • market development, trend and risk analysis • market entry analysis• opportunity assessment and prioritisation• structured analysis using SWOT, PEST, and STEER frameworks

We use the following methodologies:• secondary research – covering in-house and external industry sources• stakeholder interviews – discussions with influencers, industry contacts and

decision makers • surveys – both business and consumer Delivery of projects can often include discussion workshops with the client or formal presentations and deliverables.




Forecasting


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

How do we do it?Our Forecasting is based on macro-econometric frameworks. Econometric modeling provides empirically robust analysis determines which drivers affect the data in question with a degree of statistical certainty. We follow these steps when carrying out forecasting exercises: • Collect and clean data to allow an econometric model• Analyse data to find trends and key drivers• Run the model with historical data and test significance of drivers• Test preferred model for spurious correlations and bias in the

estimators (heteroskedasticity, serial correlation, non-normality etc)• Continue process until we arrive at core model equation• Investigate forecasts of key drivers, apply to the model and arrive at a

baseline forecast • Undertake scenario analysis and testing of model sensitivity




Market sizing & demand


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

How do we do it?The pre-requisite to developing market sizing models is clear and unambiguous definitions around what is being sized: economics, demographics, products, services, geographic scope, and baseline year. Input data to the baseline draws on a blend of in-house country and market data, supplemented where necessary by additional research. The market sizing approach can be top-down, bottom up or both:• a top-down approach derives a market size from macro level economic data and

revenue assumptions • a bottom-up approach draws on relevant company revenues, company numbers and

distribution, and customer / consumer usage data The draft market size data will be sense checked and compared with other sources and proxies, and adjustments made where appropriate. Quantitative models can be presented as basic data books, or as interactive and graphical tools to allow more sophisticated data visualisation.





Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

Risk analysis

How do we do it?Risk assessment projects start with an unambiguous set of definitions as to what is being analysed and a framework of risk factors that will be reviewed.

Country-specific, operational, market and financial risk ‘issue categories’ are defined. Categories may be bespoke or can conform to a typical convention such as PEST or STEER. Information gathering approaches are implemented, either via expert input, both EIU and stakeholder research, or via desk and in-country research. Issues are analysed against risk concern criteria and a short list of the most important, influential and relevant issues developed. An ‘Impact Assessment’ is conducted on the remaining risk factors and issues prioritising them in terms of a qualitative assessment of impact and the nature of the risk impacts compared. The final analysis can include approaches to risk mitigation for the client, risk timelines, and action roadmaps.


Manage any required project expenses.

Ensure staff are available at the right time and location through-out

the project.

Tasks are controlled via GANTT progress

control

Ensure deliverables receive the appropriate

checks and peer reviews.

Regular client calls or face-to-face meetings, and interim deliverables.

Some projects are of a scale that demands a ‘Project Management Office’ task – which can be set up as a separate desk or office at EIU or at the client’s premises.

Project management

What we deliver


Depending on the client requirement, projects are delivered via a number of different platforms and data visualisation methods including:

The value of user experience architects | How we visualise data | Apps | Web & microsites | Workbooks | Briefings

iPad applications

Web and microsites

Interactive Excel workbooks

PowerPoint presentation slides

PDF reports

Face-to-face briefings

What we deliver


The value of user experience architects

Expert at managing in-house data We can demonstrate clear time and cost efficiencies by having our in-house team of technology experts handle proprietary data that they are familiar with. Furthermore, with internal system processes in place we are able to effectively limit risk and ensure better accuracy of content and data. This is all just a small part of our stringent quality assurance process which incorporates every aspect of our clients project from design and development to editorial analysis.

Fast and accurate data and content updatesWe have secure and reliable systems and templates in place which allow us to collect and transfer data to an online format in the most efficient ways.

A close relationship with the analysts who develop the dataOur User Experience Architects work closely with EIU editors and analysts to do more than "just put the excel online" – together they craft the story and bring to the surface key points to insure that the data and content can be easily understood.

A unique skill set Our in house team possess exceptional ability to ensure that EIU data and analysis will be showcased in its most digestible format.



How we visualise data

• Agree on objectives and success criteria for the deliverables

• Identify technical strategy and user experience needs

• Gather requirements and outline scope through a collaboration workshop

• Create project plan for deliverables and milestones

• Explore and determine best practices for design and platform optimisation

• Develop, refine, and choose concept

• Determine technologies• Architect the solution• Test launch

• Train client on the tool• Provide technical and

analytic support for data • Plan for further phased

development, upgrades, new features, and interactivity



Apps


The Economist Intelligence Unit has developed iPad apps offering an interactive, clear and portable way to engage and visualise data. This example app offers a snapshot view of a number of socioeconomic indicators.


Websites & microsites


Our user experience architects re-purposing complex data and analysis into intuitive, user friendly and visually engaging websites and micro sites.

Sites can be optimised for search and provide detailed user analytics and engagement metrics.

Take a closer lookat an example site »


Workbooks


Alongside raw data, interactive workbooks can be built using clients’ own data. We can build interactive heat maps and graphical representations for fast and effective visualisation of the numbers that sit behind the images.


Briefings


Clients increasingly require the reassurance that comes from direct contact with the experts behind the analysis.

A briefing from one of our experts is one of the quickest and easiestways to disseminate vital knowledge throughout an organisation and its various stakeholders, allowing our clients to discuss and debate research with the experts who produced it.

Case studies


Some of our clients

Read our selected case studies »




See the toolSiemans index »

The challenge Siemens see themselves as pioneers in green infrastructure and wished to engage with key global policy leaders on these themes. The solution A panel of experts including leading figures at the UN, World Bank and OECD developed a methodology for a series of indexes which assessed, compared and ranked cities in terms of environmental performance.

We collected qualitative and quantitative data to compare cities across eight categories including energy, land use, environmental governance, transport, waste and sanitation. A written summary of the results was produced including city profiles with project and policy examples and interviews with relevant industry experts that highlighted emerging best practice and innovations in each city. The result The first index was released in 2009 at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference where Siemens was able to generate debate with governments and key environmental stakeholders. A subsequent five ‘green indexes’ have been produced.



Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis




Country analysis


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

The challenge Our client wanted to improve efficiencies and expand coverage in the delivery of health services. They were seeking to create “operational linkages” across individual departments, as well as maximise existing resources and human capital. The client was keen to evaluate the success of the initiative so far. The solution We produced a comparison of two districts that participated in the pilot scheme with two districts that did not. We:• analysed various indicators including service uptake and patient retention during

the course of treatment.• conducted face-to-face interviews with primary healthcare providers, healthcare

administrators and patients; and• identified key areas for improvement. The resultOur client was able to identify the most effective elements of the initiative, and further refine and develop operational linkages for application to other scenarios.




See the toolHSBC tool »

The challenge HSBC Canada wanted to position themselves as the best-qualified partner to help small to mid-sized Canadian companies expand in emerging markets. They were also keen to generate measurable high-quality business leads. The solution We built an interactive online tool to attract an audience of senior executives at internationally minded Canadian firms. The tool allowed users to make international comparisons of more than 380 products and services from over 55 different international markets that Canadian companies were likely to trade with or expand into. By placing valuable content behind a registration page, HSBC was able to drive traffic to the site and collect leads from qualified opt-in users. The resultWith this tool, HSBC has been able to show expertise and understanding of emerging markets. Furthermore, using the leads generated, the sales team has a credible platform from which to engage prospective clients.

Industry analysis


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis




Forecasting


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

The challengeA leading pharmaceutical company wanted to quantify the patient pool for a specific drug therapy in China. The solutionA new approach to data and analysis was required, as official income data in China underestimates actual income. The project also necessitated selecting appropriate consumption metrics, to ensure that the wealth and affordability metrics used would closely reflect Chinese saving and spending patterns. We prepared a data set and forecasting model to forecast household wealth in China by province. This re-estimating of income in China, focussing on grey income, calculated the distribution of savings wealth across the population, and estimations of liquid wealth levels.

The data was presented in an interactive excel data tool enabling the client to experiment with insurance coverage and treatment cost assumptions.

The result The model allowed the client to determine the potential market size for various treatments from 2011 through 2050 enabling them to improve their sales and marketing strategies.




Market sizing & product demand


Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

The challenge A major Asian car manufacturer wanted to understand the short- to medium-term outlook for China at a city level and the potential scenarios for growth in the world's biggest emerging market. The solutionWe developed central, upside and downside forecasts for 15 cities and provinces in China over a five-year horizon. We were also able to provide qualitative analysis for these markets, thus also offering the client context in which to view our forecasts. The result The forecasts were used as underlying drivers for the client's internal models on vehicle consumption in key Chinese markets.





Countryanalysis

Industryanalysis

Forecasting


Riskanalysis

The challengeThe client needed to identify changes in labour markets in the Middle East, including which skills sets would be in short supply in the future and which labour forces would be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. The solutionWe interviewed policymakers and industry experts to understand what other firms in the sector were doing.

We developed a forecast model to identify demographic issues that determined which skills were in short supply and where additional training could be most effective. The resultThe client was able to evaluate labour risk within its own supply chain as well as the impact of these risks on its ability to operate in the region. As a result, the client began to think more strategically about HR issues.

Risk analysis

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