Concrete Admixtures Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Concrete Admixtures Market size is estimated at USD 18.16 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 24.80 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.43% during the forecast period (2025-2030). The market’s growth is driven by government-backed infrastructure programs in the Asia-Pacific region, stricter water-reduction standards in developed economies, and the rapid adoption of self-consolidating concrete, which boosts productivity while reducing material waste. Contractors are broadening the adoption of AI-guided dosage platforms, which refine mix consistency and trim admixture overuse. The residential sector’s rebound and mounting preference for bio-based chemistries further widen opportunity windows. Competitive intensity remains moderate because regional producers occupy niche positions based on logistics advantages and local regulatory familiarity, even as global suppliers strive to patent polymer innovations and integrate digital features. Volatile petrochemical feedstock prices and evolving formaldehyde emission limits pose short-term cost and compliance challenges that can squeeze margins and lengthen formulation timelines.
Key Report Takeaways
- By end-use sector, infrastructure accounted for 40.29% of the concrete admixtures market share in 2024, while the residential sector is projected to expand at a 7.07% CAGR through 2030.
- By product type, water-reducer plasticizers led with a 39.16% revenue share in 2024; high-range water-reducers are forecasted to grow at a 7.18% CAGR to 2030.
- By geography, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 31.32% of the concrete admixtures market size in 2024 and is projected to advance at a 6.91% CAGR through 2030.
Global Concrete Admixtures Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Drivers | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure mega-projects in Asia-Pacific | +1.8% | APAC core, spill-over to MEA | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rapid adoption of high-performance and SCC concrete | +1.5% | Global, concentrated in North America and EU | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Stricter water-reduction regulations | +1.2% | EU, North America, expanding to APAC | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| AI-guided dosage optimization platforms | +0.9% | North America, EU, urban APAC markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Bio-based admixtures from agri-waste streams | +0.6% | Global, early adoption in EU and North America | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Infrastructure Mega-Projects in Asia-Pacific
Government outlays for regional rail corridors, airports, and smart-city programs are redefining specification criteria, moving demand toward admixtures that deliver extended slump retention and durability across varied climatic zones. China’s Belt and Road Initiative amplifies cross-border project pipelines, while Indonesia’s new capital and India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline add steady order visibility. Project owners favor premium additives that maintain rheology under long haul times, enabling suppliers with technical documentation to secure higher margins. The concrete admixtures market benefits from average selling price uplift because public tenders list performance clauses rather than commodity grades, and value-engineered alternatives must clear rigorous test protocols.
Rapid Adoption of High-Performance and SCC Concrete
Self-consolidating concrete has shifted from precast exclusivity to cast-in-place usage as contractors seek labor savings and quality reliability. Placement cycle times decrease by up to 40%, and surface defects noticeably drop, making SCC a preferred option in high-rise cores and complex formwork applications[1]American Concrete Institute, “Self-Consolidating Concrete: Materials and Applications,” ACI, concrete.org . Projects exceeding 8,000 psi compressive strength targets increasingly combine superplasticizers with supplementary cementitious materials, nudging the concrete admixtures market toward higher technical support bundles. European durability codes act as global reference points, pushing multinationals operating in North America and Asia to align with stricter mix performance thresholds.
Stricter Water-Reduction Regulations
Regulators in the European Union, United States, and select Asia-Pacific jurisdictions continue to ratchet down permissible water-cement ratios, citing permeability and life-cycle cost concerns. The U.S. EPA’s runoff guidelines reward mixes that bleed less and segregate minimally, indirectly lifting demand for advanced water-reducers. Coastal construction zones adopt low-permeability concrete to deter chloride ingress, and California’s Title 24 energy rules embed thermal criteria that favor dense matrices. The regulatory wave now ripples into emerging economies as procurement frameworks borrow EU norms, sparking earlier-than-expected upgrades in local concrete specs.
AI-Guided Dosage Optimization Platforms
Ready-mix producers deploying machine-learning models achieve tighter standard deviations in slump and strength outcomes while reducing admixture usage by approximately 15%, which immediately impacts operating margins[2]Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “AI Applications in Construction Technology,” MIT, mit.edu. Cloud-linked sensors in batch plants scan aggregate moisture, ambient temperature, and load time, then recalibrate chemical additions instantly. Early adopters are large-volume players who can amortize digital investments over high order backlogs; however, mid-tier firms face competitive pressure to follow, thereby swelling the addressable base for software-compatible admixtures.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraints | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volatile petrochemical feedstock prices | -1.4% | Global, acute impact in import-dependent regions | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Low-cost conventional concrete alternatives | -0.7% | Emerging markets, price-sensitive construction segments | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Formaldehyde-emission compliance risks | -0.8% | EU, North America, expanding to APAC | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Volatile Petrochemical Feedstock Prices
Quarterly swings of 30% or more in ethylene and propylene derivatives directly inflate superplasticizer cost structures, especially for producers without hedging capacity. Logistics surcharges and customs duties exacerbate regional disparities, resulting in spot-price spreads that complicate tender quotations. Smaller enterprises struggle to absorb shocks, sometimes ceding share to vertically integrated majors that lock in term contracts. The concrete admixtures market thus faces temporary margin compression and heightened interest in non-petroleum alternatives, albeit at higher initial price points.
Formaldehyde-Emission Compliance Risks
Melamine- and naphthalene-based products trigger scrutiny under tightening emission ceilings in the European Union’s REACH framework, California’s indoor-air regulations, and analogous North American rules. Third-party certification fees and iterative laboratory cycles extend commercialization timelines, disadvantaging suppliers who rely on legacy chemistries. Demand bifurcates as hospitals, schools, and government buildings specify ultra-low emission mixes, awarding premiums to polycarboxylate formulations. Emerging markets are adopting similar standards but enforcing them unevenly, creating compliance cost asymmetry.
Segment Analysis
By End-Use Sector: Infrastructure Dominance Faces Residential Surge
The infrastructure segment retained 40.29% of the concrete admixtures market share in 2024, fueled by sovereign spending on transit corridors and utility upgrades. Residential construction, aided by pandemic-era housing stimulus packages, is progressing at a 7.07% CAGR and is on track to narrow the gap by 2030. The expansion of the concrete admixtures market size in housing aligns with the adoption of prefabricated panels, where stringent mix consistency is crucial. Single-family foundations increasingly specify water-reducing agents that cut bleed while boosting durability, whereas multifamily towers incorporate superplasticizers for pumpability at heights exceeding 30 stories.
Commercial projects, notably office retrofits and data centers, occupy about one-quarter of demand, selecting admixtures that balance early strength with low-shrinkage finishes. Industrial and institutional builds round out the remainder, seeking chemical resistance in floors and structural components. The segment mix implies stable base volume from public works, with upside from a healthier mortgage market and urban residential densification trends.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Product Type: Superplasticizers Challenge Traditional Dominance
Water-reducer plasticizers contributed 39.16% of the revenue share in 2024; however, high-range water-reducers—chiefly polycarboxylate ether formulations—are expected to rise fastest at a 7.18% CAGR through 2030 as architects increasingly adopt intricate geometries. Concrete admixtures market size allocations indicate that superplasticizers are encroaching on the territory of standard plasticizers to meet strength-to-cement ratio targets. Air-entraining agents are essential in freeze-thaw climates, while viscosity modifiers occupy specialty niches such as underwater repairs and 3D concrete printing.
Rapid advancements in material science enable polycarboxylate ethers to achieve water reductions exceeding 30% without slump loss, thereby satisfying both performance codes and sustainability scorecards. Shrinkage-reducing admixtures, although smaller in volume, are often included in large floor plates and industrial slabs where cracking penalties are severe. Product selection thus shifts from commodity cost considerations toward total installed cost savings.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
The Asia-Pacific region carried 31.32% of the concrete admixtures market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 6.91% CAGR. China remains pivotal, yet its regulatory shift toward quality and environmental stewardship intensifies demand for premium admixtures that meet multi-decade durability benchmarks. India and Indonesia provide incremental momentum through marquee transport and city-building programs, while Japan and South Korea lead the way in digital batching adoption. Regional suppliers benefit from lower logistics hurdles; however, the penetration of foreign superplasticizer brands widens as performance standards integrate international norms.
North America’s mature construction ecosystem registers steady volume tied to infrastructure refurbishments and residential starts. Labor constraints have driven the adoption of self-consolidating concrete, making digital dosage control a must-have in large ready-mix fleets. Federal infrastructure bills shift spending toward bridge and roadway rehabilitation, steering admixture demand toward corrosion-inhibiting and shrinkage-reducing categories.
Europe’s share stems from robust sustainability regulations, such as the EU Taxonomy, which push for carbon-optimized mixes. Germany and the United Kingdom lead the way in consumption, with rail extensions and urban renewal plans, whereas France and Italy are advancing architectural applications that require color consistency and exposed finishes. Eastern Europe offers growth headroom through cohesion fund-backed highway projects, which increasingly stipulate low-permeability concrete.
South America, the Middle East, and Africa collectively hold a smaller slice, yet they provide pockets of double-digit expansion aligned with megaproject calendars in Brazil and the UAE. Currency fluctuations and commodity cycles complicate procurement; yet, local producers often secure higher utilization rates thanks to import tariffs that favor domestic sourcing.
Competitive Landscape
The competitive field is moderately fragmented. Multinationals leverage patent families in polycarboxylate ethers and invest in regional batching software partnerships. Regional players defend their market share by tailoring formulations to local cement chemistries and navigating customs rules with agility. Innovation arcs focus on nano-cellulose reinforced additives, carbon-capture-compatible formulations, and AI-ready dosage packages. Bio-derived admixtures from agricultural byproducts are gaining traction in pilot projects, although scale economies remain elusive. Digital service layers—mix-design software subscriptions, cloud analytics, and job-site sensors—emerge as differentiators beyond traditional chemical capabilities. Heightened compliance costs related to emissions and worker safety may catalyze further consolidation, as smaller entities struggle to keep pace.
Concrete Admixtures Industry Leaders
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Sika AG
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Saint-Gobain
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Jiangsu Subote New Material
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MAPEI S.p.A.
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RPM International
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- June 2025: CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. introduced its new range of admixtures across EMEA, aimed at reducing carbon emissions in cement and concrete while maintaining high performance. Developed with advanced chemical technologies, the products use low-CO₂ cements, recycled, and supplementary materials to support sustainable construction. This launch reflects the company’s strategy to deliver sustainable solutions for cement, ready-mix concrete, precast, and mortars.
- June 2024: Saint-Gobain, a French multinational corporation specializing in construction materials, acquired Fosroc, Inc. for approximately EUR 960 million (USD 1.03 billion). This acquisition strategically enhances Saint-Gobain's leadership in light and sustainable construction while significantly strengthening Fosroc's position as a key player in the global construction chemicals sector. The deal provided Fosroc access to Saint-Gobain's extensive resources and global network, enabling further growth and innovation.
Global Concrete Admixtures Market Report Scope
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional, Infrastructure, Residential are covered as segments by End Use Sector. Accelerator, Air Entraining Admixture, High Range Water Reducer (Super Plasticizer), Retarder, Shrinkage Reducing Admixture, Viscosity Modifier, Water Reducer (Plasticizer) are covered as segments by Sub Product. Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, South America are covered as segments by Region.| Commercial |
| Industrial and Institutional |
| Infrastructure |
| Residential |
| Accelerator |
| Air-Entraining |
| High-Range Water-Reducer (Superplasticizer) |
| Retarder |
| Shrinkage-Reducing |
| Viscosity Modifier |
| Water-Reducer (Plasticizer) |
| Other Types |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia |
| China | |
| India | |
| Indonesia | |
| Japan | |
| Malaysia | |
| South Korea | |
| Thailand | |
| Vietnam | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Spain | |
| Russia | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America | |
| Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| United Arab Emirates | |
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa |
| By End-Use Sector | Commercial | |
| Industrial and Institutional | ||
| Infrastructure | ||
| Residential | ||
| By Product Type | Accelerator | |
| Air-Entraining | ||
| High-Range Water-Reducer (Superplasticizer) | ||
| Retarder | ||
| Shrinkage-Reducing | ||
| Viscosity Modifier | ||
| Water-Reducer (Plasticizer) | ||
| Other Types | ||
| By Geography | Asia-Pacific | Australia |
| China | ||
| India | ||
| Indonesia | ||
| Japan | ||
| Malaysia | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Thailand | ||
| Vietnam | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| North America | United States | |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Europe | Germany | |
| United Kingdom | ||
| France | ||
| Italy | ||
| Spain | ||
| Russia | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | |
| United Arab Emirates | ||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | ||
Market Definition
- END-USE SECTOR - Concrete admixtures consumed in the construction sectors such as commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure are considered under the scope of the study.
- PRODUCT/APPLICATION - Under the scope of the study, the consumption of concrete admixture products such as water reducers (plasticizers), retarders, accelerators, air-entraining admixture, viscosity modifiers, shrinkage-reducing admixture, high-range water reducers (superplasticizers), and other types are considered.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accelerator | Accelerators are admixtures used to fasten the setting time of concrete by increasing the initial rate and speeding up the chemical reaction between cement and the mixing water. These are used to harden and increase the strength of concrete quickly. |
| Acrylic | This synthetic resin is a derivative of acrylic acid. It forms a smooth surface and is mainly used for various indoor applications. The material can also be used for outdoor applications with a special formulation. |
| Adhesives | Adhesives are bonding agents used to join materials by gluing. Adhesives can be used in construction for many applications, such as carpet laying, ceramic tiles, countertop lamination, etc. |
| Air Entraining Admixture | Air-entraining admixtures are used to improve the performance and durability of concrete. Once added, they create uniformly distributed small air bubbles to impart enhanced properties to the fresh and hardened concrete. |
| Alkyd | Alkyds are used in solvent-based paints such as construction and automotive paints, traffic paints, flooring resins, protective coatings for concrete, etc. Alkyd resins are formed by the reaction of an oil (fatty acid), a polyunsaturated alcohol (Polyol), and a polyunsaturated acid or anhydride. |
| Anchors and Grouts | Anchors and grouts are construction chemicals that stabilize and improve the strength and durability of foundations and structures like buildings, bridges, dams, etc. |
| Cementitious Fixing | Cementitious fixing is a process in which a cement-based grout is pumped under pressure to fill forms, voids, and cracks. It can be used in several settings, including bridges, marine applications, dams, and rock anchors. |
| Commercial Construction | Commercial construction comprises new construction of warehouses, malls, shops, offices, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, etc. |
| Concrete Admixtures | Concrete admixtures comprise water reducers, air entrainers, retarders, accelerators, superplasticizers, etc., added to concrete before or during mixing to modify its properties. |
| Concrete Protective Coatings | To provide specific protection, such as anti-carbonation or chemical resistance, a film-forming protective coat can be applied on the surface. Depending on the applications, different resins like epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic can be used for concrete protective coatings. |
| Curing Compounds | Curing compounds are used to cure the surface of concrete structures, including columns, beams, slabs, and others. These curing compounds keep the moisture inside the concrete to give maximum strength and durability. |
| Epoxy | Epoxy is known for its strong adhesive qualities, making it a versatile product in many industries. It resists heat and chemical applications, making it an ideal product for anyone needing a stronghold under pressure. It is widely used in adhesives, electrical and electronics, paints, etc. |
| Fiber Wrapping Systems | Fiber Wrapping Systems are a part of construction repair and rehabilitation chemicals. It involves the strengthening of existing structures by wrapping structural members like beams and columns with glass or carbon fiber sheets. |
| Flooring Resins | Flooring resins are synthetic materials applied to floors to enhance their appearance, increase their resistance to wear and tear or provide protection from chemicals, moisture, and stains. Depending on the desired properties and the specific application, flooring resins are available in distinct types, such as epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic. |
| High-Range Water Reducer (Super Plasticizer) | High-range water reducers are a type of concrete admixture that provides enhanced and improved properties when added to concrete. These are also called superplasticizers and are used to decrease the water-to-cement ratio in concrete. |
| Hot Melt Adhesives | Hot-melt adhesives are thermoplastic bonding materials applied as melts that achieve a solid state and resultant strength on cooling. They are commonly used for packaging, coatings, sanitary products, and tapes. |
| Industrial and Institutional Construction | Industrial and institutional construction includes new construction of hospitals, schools, manufacturing units, energy and power plants, etc. |
| Infrastructure Construction | Infrastructure construction includes new construction of railways, roads, seaways, airports, bridges, highways, etc. |
| Injection Grouting | The process of injecting grout into open joints, cracks, voids, or honeycombs in concrete or masonry structural members is known as injection grouting. It offers several benefits, such as strengthening a structure and preventing water infiltration. |
| Liquid-Applied Waterproofing Membranes | Liquid-Applied membrane is a monolithic, fully bonded, liquid-based coating suitable for many waterproofing applications. The coating cures to form a rubber-like elastomeric waterproof membrane and may be applied over many substrates, including asphalt, bitumen, and concrete. |
| Micro-concrete Mortars | Micro-concrete mortar is made up of cement, water-based resin, additives, mineral pigments, and polymers and can be applied on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It can be used to refurbish residential complexes, commercial spaces, etc. |
| Modified Mortars | Modified Mortars include Portland cement and sand along with latex/polymer additives. The additives increase adhesion, strength, and shock resistance while also reducing water absorption. |
| Mold Release Agents | Mold release agents are sprayed or coated on the surface of molds to prevent a substrate from bonding to a molding surface. Several types of mold release agents, including silicone, lubricant, wax, fluorocarbons, and others, are used based on the type of substrates, including metals, steel, wood, rubber, plastic, and others. |
| Polyaspartic | Polyaspartic is a subset of polyurea. Polyaspartic floor coatings are typically two-part systems that consist of a resin and a catalyst to ease the curing process. It offers high durability and can withstand harsh environments. |
| Polyurethane | Polyurethane is a plastic material that exists in various forms. It can be tailored to be either rigid or flexible and is the material of choice for a broad range of end-user applications, such as adhesives, coatings, building insulation, etc. |
| Reactive Adhesives | A reactive adhesive is made of monomers that react in the adhesive curing process and do not evaporate from the film during use. Instead, these volatile components become chemically incorporated into the adhesive. |
| Rebar Protectors | In concrete structures, rebar is one of the important components, and its deterioration due to corrosion is a major issue that affects the safety, durability, and life span of buildings and structures. For this reason, rebar protectors are used to protect against degrading effects, especially in infrastructure and industrial construction. |
| Repair and Rehabilitation Chemicals | Repair and Rehabilitation Chemicals include repair mortars, injection grouting materials, fiber wrapping systems, micro-concrete mortars, etc., used to repair and restore existing buildings and structures. |
| Residential Construction | Residential construction involves constructing new houses or spaces like condominiums, villas, and landed homes. |
| Resin Fixing | The process of using resins like epoxy and polyurethane for grouting applications is called resin fixing. Resin fixing offers several advantages, such as high compressive and tensile strength, negligible shrinkage, and greater chemical resistance compared to cementitious fixing. |
| Retarder | Retarders are admixtures used to slow down the setting time of concrete. These are usually added with a dosage rate of around 0.2% -0.6% by weight of cement. These admixtures slow down hydration or lower the rate at which water penetrates the cement particles by making concrete workable for a long time. |
| Sealants | A sealant is a viscous material that has little or no flow qualities, which causes it to remain on surfaces where they are applied. Sealants can also be thinner, enabling penetration to a certain substance through capillary action. |
| Sheet Waterproofing Membranes | Sheet membrane systems are reliable and durable thermoplastic waterproofing solutions that are used for waterproofing applications even in the most demanding below-ground structures, including those exposed to highly aggressive ground conditions and stress. |
| Shrinkage Reducing Admixture | Shrinkage-reducing admixtures are used to reduce concrete shrinkage, whether from drying or self-desiccation. |
| Silicone | Silicone is a polymer that contains silicon combined with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and, in some cases, other elements. It is an inert synthetic compound that comes in various forms, such as oil, rubber, and resin. Due to its heat-resistant properties, it finds applications in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, etc. |
| Solvent-borne Adhesives | Solvent-borne adhesives are mixtures of solvents and thermoplastic or slightly cross-linked polymers such as polychloroprene, polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, and natural and synthetic rubbers. |
| Surface Treatment Chemicals | Surface treatment chemicals are chemicals used to treat concrete surfaces, including roofs, vertical surfaces, and others. They act as curing compounds, demolding agents, rust removers, and others. They are cost-effective and can be used on roadways, pavements, parking lots, and others. |
| Viscosity Modifier | Viscosity Modifiers are concrete admixtures used to change various properties of admixtures, including viscosity, workability, cohesiveness, and others. These are usually added with a dosage of around 0.01% to 0.1% by weight of cement. |
| Water Reducer | Water reducers, also called plasticizers, are a type of admixture used to decrease the water-to-cement ratio in the concrete, thereby increasing the durability and strength of concrete. Various water reducers include refined lignosulfonates, gluconates, hydroxycarboxylic acids, sugar acids, and others. |
| Water-borne Adhesives | Water-borne adhesives use water as a carrier or diluting medium to disperse resin. They are set by allowing the water to evaporate or be absorbed by the substrate. These adhesives are compounded with water as a dilutant rather than a volatile organic solvent. |
| Waterproofing Chemicals | Waterproofing chemicals are designed to protect a surface from the perils of leakage. A waterproofing chemical is a protective coating or primer applied to a structure's roof, retaining walls, or basement. |
| Waterproofing Membranes | Waterproofing membranes are liquid-applied or self-adhering layers of water-tight materials that prevent water from penetrating or damaging a structure when applied to roofs, walls, foundations, basements, bathrooms, and other areas exposed to moisture or water. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: The quantifiable key variables (industry and extraneous) pertaining to the specific product segment and country are selected from a group of relevant variables & factors based on desk research & literature review; along with primary expert inputs. These variables are further confirmed through regression modeling (wherever required).
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms