Social Sciences and Humanities Services Global Market Report 2024

The social sciences and humanities services market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $56.39 billion in 2023 to $62.41 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. The expansion in the historic period can be ascribed to the expansion of education and research funding, the need for policy research and analysis, globalization, and cross-cultural studies, along with a heightened emphasis on mental health and well-being, driven by requirements for social impact assessment.

The social sciences and humanities services market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $98.61 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%. The forecast period's growth can be linked to the rise in the education sector, the expansion of social services programs, a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, heightened interest in environmental and sustainability studies, and policy responses to social challenges. Key trends in this period include the adoption of community-engaged research practices, the integration of ethical AI practices in research, a focus on global challenges and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the emergence of online and virtual research conferences, and the incorporation of mixed-methods research approaches.

The increasing demand to comprehend human behavior, identify societal issues, and devise solutions is propelling the social sciences and humanities services market. Behavioral analysis plays a crucial role in seeking solutions to a range of issues spanning social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental domains. These services aid in understanding people's perceptions, motivations, priorities, decision-making processes, and unconsciously controlled learned habits. For example, the State of Consumer Behavior 2021 report by Raydian revealed that, in choosing where to conduct business, 25.5% of customers considered convenience as the second most significant factor after price. Consequently, the imperative to fathom human behavior for societal understanding and problem-solving is driving the social sciences and humanities services market.

The escalation of geopolitical tensions is anticipated to drive the growth of the social sciences and humanities services market in the foreseeable future. Geopolitical tensions encompass conflicts, rivalries, and disputes between nations or groups arising from factors such as territorial disputes, ideological differences, resource competition, economic interests, historical grievances, or power struggles. Such tensions necessitate increased demand for expertise and services in areas such as political risk assessment, international relations, conflict resolution, cultural analysis, historical context, and human rights advocacy. Businesses, governments, and organizations seek academic research, education, and expert guidance to navigate and mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical conflicts. In 2021, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a US-based non-profit organization, reported a 12% increase in political violence targeting civilians, reaching 37,185 events compared to 33,331 in 2020. Similarly, civilian fatalities rose by 8%, reaching 38,658 in 2021 compared to 35,879 in 2020. Hence, the surge in geopolitical tensions is fostering the growth of the social sciences and humanities services market.

The marginalization of humanities and social sciences theory and methodology is expected to impede the social sciences and humanities services market. The relegation stems from unclear responses and unscientific approaches employed by researchers, placing humanities and social sciences in an auxiliary, advisory, and non-essential status. In an era where unobservable elements such as genes and electrons are translated into observable effects, the approaches of the social sciences and humanities, based on philosophical assumptions without scientific evidence, are hindering the market for social sciences and humanities services.

In the social sciences and humanities services market, there is a prominent trend towards adopting methodological advancements, particularly in the realm of big data. This trend is gaining popularity as researchers gain access to real-time, extensive data sets from diverse global sources. Data is sourced from various mediums, including social media and mass media activities, event data, and geographic information systems. While currently only a small subset of social scientists utilizes big data simulation for research, the establishment of a formal institution providing the necessary environment is expected to encourage broader adoption among researchers.

The significant trend influencing the social sciences and humanities services market is the role of government funding and policies. This entails financial support and regulations instituted by government entities to foster and regulate diverse activities within a country. For example, in June 2021, the European Commission, headquartered in Belgium, initiated the Horizon Europe program. This seven-year research and innovation funding program, spanning from 2021 to 2027, boasts a substantial budget of $116.5 billion (€95.5 billion). Horizon Europe is dedicated to tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainability, while promoting competitiveness and growth within the European Union (EU). The program encourages collaboration, open science, impactful research, and introduces innovative elements such as the European Innovation Council, mission-driven objectives, and ambitious industry partnerships. Eligibility is extended to legal entities from the EU and associated countries, making it a pivotal initiative for advancing research, innovation, and EU policy objectives.

Major companies operating in the social sciences and humanities services market report are Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Association for the Social Sciences and Humanities in HIV, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, East View, The University of Melbourne, Archaeological Research Services Ltd., Historical research associates Inc., University of Virginia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Yale University, Stanford University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Washington, Cornell University, Ohio State University, University of Pittsburgh, The University of Tokyo, University of Oxford, California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Purdue University, University of Michigan, University of California Los Angeles, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Pennsylvania, University of Toronto, PrInc.eton University.

North America was the largest region in the social sciences and humanities services market in 2023. Western Europe was the second largest region in the global social sciences and humanities services market analysis. The regions covered in the social sciences and humanities services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the social sciences and humanities services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary categories of social sciences and humanities services include archaeological research and development services, sociology research and development services, behavioral research and development services, economic research and development services, humanities research and development services, social science research and development services, and other research and development services. Behavioral research and development delve into both fundamental skill acquisition and the evolution of more intricate behaviors, applying a behavior analytic standpoint to human development and behavioral changes throughout a lifetime. These services are available through various channels, encompassing both online and offline modes. Providers range from large enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises.

The social sciences and humanities services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides social sciences and humanities services market statistics, including social sciences and humanities services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a social sciences and humanities services market share, detailed social sciences and humanities services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the social sciences and humanities services industry. This social sciences and humanities services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The social sciences and humanities services market consists of revenue earned by entities that engage in research on cognitive development, sociology, psychology, language, behavior, economic and other social science and humanities research. Most of the social sciences and humanities organizations are funded by public sector organizations. Some private companies also fund research activities of social sciences and humanities organizations. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.