8 December 2020 1079 words, 5 min. read Latest update : 10 February 2021

Market research in the EU: The 10 best data sources

By Lorène Fauvelle PhD in marketing, director of IntoTheMinds
To conclude our series on the best data sources in different European countries, this article is devoted to sources specific to the European Union. Find the list of data sources by country at the end of the article. A checklist […]

To conclude our series on the best data sources in different European countries, this article is devoted to sources specific to the European Union. Find the list of data sources by country at the end of the article.

A checklist among others, is also provided at the end of this article.

Summary

Official national statistics

For your market research in the countries of the European Union, it is in your best interest to investigate EU data sources. These official data and statistics will give credibility to your project and your files (financial, research, location, etc.). They are also very accessible since each country has an official institute that offers the highest level of quality. Go to Eurostat for European statistics.

How to use this data for your market research?

  • Define a geographical location (catchment area) based on regional demographics and economy
  • Understanding consumer purchasing behaviour
  • Defining competitors in the market
  • Understanding some key legislative restrictions

This data will be particularly useful if you need to carry out PESTEL research (to find out more about PESTEL, click here).

Companies Financial data

Whether it is to understand the profitability of your project, to expand your research on the competition or to ensure the financial health of your selection of partners and suppliers, you will need to analyse the financial data of the market and its players.

The European Business Registry Association (EBRA) provides information on European businesses. The EBRA works in collaboration with the national registries of European countries.

EBR-Table-2020

Do not hesitate to carry out this research for many companies:

  • direct and indirect competitors (those who propose a solution to the same problem you are trying to solve)
  • potential partners and suppliers to judge the health and popularity of the market
  • prospects to understand their investment potential for those who work in B2B

Consumer protection

To understand sectoral trends and consumer protection issues in the European Union, you can visit the website of BEUC (The European Consumer Organisation). There you will find publications and articles on consumer issues of importance to Europeans.

You will find interesting information classified by categories (financial services, food, digital rights, consumer rights and enforcement, sustainable development, energy, security, health, trade).

You will also find a lot of information on consumer protection on the europa.eu website.

Use these files wisely: you will be able to position yourself concerning your competitors and confirm or deny the interest of your future product or service.
Remember that the first idea is rarely the right one. Don’t be discouraged if you perceive a lack of alignment with market demand. Consider this as an opportunity to improve your primary idea.

Customs and border protection

For all your import or export transactions with EU countries, you will need to check with EU customs. Do not hesitate to look up the customs specificities of each country to compile all the legal information that would be useful to you.

Customs websites are an excellent source of data for your PESTEL research, especially for the “L” (Legal aspects).

We have dedicated an article to market research applied to the export sector. You can access it here.

Sector data for your market research in the EU

As you can imagine if you have been reading us for some time, it is not only the analysis of European and national statistics that are taken into account in your market research. To make it as exhaustive as possible, you will also need to analyse sectoral data (structure and situation of the sector, specific legislation, agreements, aids and subsidies, and so on). Below you will find an overview of the best sources of sectoral data.

Health

Two tabs are essential to visit around the health sector. The first one is related to the health theme. The second is related to health care in the EU.

You will find information about medicines on the EMA (European Medicines Agency) website: list of medicines, legislation and veterinary regulations.

The food industry

The best European source for collecting data and analysis on the food industry is the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
You will find a wide range of news and publications on the EFSA website.

Agriculture

As the agricultural and food sector is closely linked, you will find additional information on EFSA. In any case, you will be well advised to check the following link. Also, do not hesitate to consult national data sources to understand the legislation implemented by different countries.

Housing

To understand the keys to the housing market in the European Union, visit housingeurope.eu. You will find a lot of information about legislation, news, projects and European funds.
The site offers a search tool allowing you to filter articles and resources by topic and format.

Energy

ACER is the European Agency for Energy Cooperation and Regulation. You will find on their website legal information and differentiated by themes: electricity, gas, mandates and other documents.

Innovation

You can find support for your innovations through the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): community, activities, events and news.

Checklist

Theme Source of information Interest for your market research in the EU
Nationals statistics Eurostat Official figures to contribute to your PESTEL study
Financial data EBRA Competition research, profitability of the sector
Consumer protection

BEUC

europa.eu – Consumer rights

Market analysis, sector analysis
Customs and border protection europa.eu – EU Customs Legal aspects of the PESTEL analysis
Sector data – Health

europa.eu – Health

europa.eu – Healthcare

EMA

Files on health issues and medicines
Sector data – The food industry EFSA Indicators on the food industry market and legal aspects
Sector data – Agriculture europa.eu – agriculture Agricultural legislation, agreements and policies
Sector data – Housing housingeurope.eu Housing market and related issues
Sector data – Energy ACER Energy indicators and legislation
Sector data – Innovation EIT Aid for innovation

Also, worth consulting

Illustrations: Shutterstock



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