Industry Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and analyses in cognitive development, sociology, psychology, language, behavior, economic, and other social science and humanities research.
Cross-References.
Business Examples
Common types of business activities within NAICS 541720 - Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities are:
- Sociological research and development services
- Business research and development services
- Historic and cultural preservation research and development services
- Cognitive research and development services
- Humanities research and development services
- Language research and development services
- Behavioral research and development services
- Learning disabilities research and development services
- Economic research and development services
- Demographic research and development services
- Sociology research and development services
- Psychology research and development services
- Archeological research and development services
- Social science research and development services
IBISWorld Industry Research Report
Scientific Research & Development in the US (54171)
Revenue 2025
$333bn
Growth 2025
2.97%
Key Trends
The federal government is the source of just over half the industry's revenue, so changes in federal funding levels affect revenue
The percentage of the industry funded by the federal government has declined over the past decade
Federal funding for defense is set to annually decline
Products and Services
Similar Industries
For some business types, there may be a similar industry to 541720 - Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities that is a better classification match. Establishments primarily engaged in:
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NAICS Cross Reference
Establishments primarily engaged in marketing research are classified in Industry 541910, Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling.
IBISWorld industry research report
NAICS Hierarchy 541720 - Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
NAICS Code 541720 - Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sits in the 2-digit Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sector. NAICS codes can be 2- to 6-digits and the further along the hierarchy, the more detailed and specific the category will be. Learn more about the structure of NAICS codes
2 Digits: 54
Sector Title: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3 Digits 4 Digits 5 Digits 6 Digits
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5411 Legal Services
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54111 Offices of Lawyers
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54112 Offices of Notaries
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54119 Other Legal Services
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5412 Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
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54121 Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
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5413 Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
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54131 Architectural Services
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54132 Landscape Architectural Services
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54133 Engineering Services
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54134 Drafting Services
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54135 Building Inspection Services
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54136 Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services
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54137 Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services
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54138 Testing Laboratories
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5414 Specialized Design Services
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54141 Interior Design Services
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54142 Industrial Design Services
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54143 Graphic Design Services
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54149 Other Specialized Design Services
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5415 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
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54151 Computer Systems Design and Related Services
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5416 Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
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54161 Management Consulting Services
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54162 Environmental Consulting Services
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54169 Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
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5417 Scientific Research and Development Services
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54171 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
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54172 Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
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5418 Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
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54181 Advertising Agencies
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54182 Public Relations Agencies
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54183 Media Buying Agencies
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54184 Media Representatives
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54185 Outdoor Advertising
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54186 Direct Mail Advertising
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54187 Advertising Material Distribution Services
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54189 Other Services Related to Advertising
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5419 Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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54191 Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling
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54192 Photographic Services
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54193 Translation and Interpretation Services
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54194 Veterinary Services
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54199 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Similar Industries Niche and Emerging
IBISWorld provides research on hundreds of niche and emerging industries, including the following for 541720 - Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities.
- Business Information Resellers in the US OD4750
- Company Research Services in the US OD4753
- Financial Data Service Providers in the US OD5491
NAICS Resources
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