What We Do

Research Designed to Explain What Works — and Why

Starfleet Research conducts primary and secondary market research focused on technology-enabled business initiatives. Our work is designed to reveal how organizations are using technology, how performance differs across the market, which practices are associated with stronger outcomes and what decision-makers can learn from higher-performing peers.

Market research is most useful when it moves beyond describing trends.

We combine survey data, industry context, comparative analysis and practitioner insight to help explain how technology, processes, people, data, measurement and execution influence business performance.

Survey-Driven ResearchPrimary data gathered from qualified executives, operators, IT leaders and practitioners.
Performance BenchmarkingComparative analysis designed to identify differences between stronger performers and peers.
Decision GuidanceResearch translated into benchmarks, evaluation criteria, frameworks and practical recommendations.
Vertical ExpertiseDeep research experience across hospitality, retail, healthcare and cross-industry technology markets.
Our Research Approach

Benchmarking the Practices Behind Better Performance

Technology adoption alone rarely explains why one organization outperforms another. We study technology initiatives within a broader operating context to identify the capabilities, practices and measurement disciplines that appear to contribute to stronger business outcomes.

Depending on the research question, analysis may include market segmentation, maturity comparisons, technology usage patterns, operating practices, performance metrics and outcome measures.

TechnologySystems, capabilities, architecture, integration, automation and technology maturity.
ProcessesWorkflows, operating procedures, decision structures and management practices.
People & OrganizationRoles, skills, training, governance, responsibilities and resource allocation.
Data & IntelligenceIntegration, visibility, analytics, predictive capabilities and access to actionable insight.
Metrics & MeasurementKPIs, targets, measurement frequency, benchmarks, visibility and continuous improvement.
Business OutcomesRevenue, profitability, productivity, reliability, experience, risk reduction and other success measures.
01
Define the Business QuestionEstablish the technology initiative, strategic objective and performance outcomes to examine.
02
Gather Primary ResearchSurvey qualified practitioners with firsthand knowledge of the topic being studied.
03
Segment the MarketAnalyze organizations by industry, size, operating model, maturity and other relevant factors.
04
Identify Performance TiersWhere the data permits, distinguish higher-performing organizations from peers.
05
Compare PracticesBenchmark differences in technology, processes, people, data, metrics and execution.
06
Identify Best PracticesDetermine which capabilities and practices are most closely associated with stronger results.
07
Translate the EvidenceDevelop benchmarks, frameworks, evaluation criteria and practical recommendations.
How We Publish the Research

Research Formats Designed for Different Decisions

The format depends on the question being studied. Some projects are designed to benchmark performance across a market; others help decision-makers evaluate complex technology categories or explore a focused issue in depth.

Smart Decision Guide example
Research Format

Smart Decision Guides™

Comprehensive, industry-specific decision resources combining best-practices market research with category education, buying considerations, evaluation criteria, must-ask questions, implementation guidance and recommendations.

Designed for major technology decisions · Survey-driven · Industry-specific · Structured around evaluation and implementation
Explore Smart Decision Guides →
Benchmark research example
Research Format

Benchmark Studies

In-depth quantitative research examining how organizations approach a specific technology-enabled business initiative, where performance differs and which practices distinguish stronger performers from the broader market.

Comparative performance analysis · Best-practice identification · Cross-industry or vertical studies · Quantitative findings
Explore Benchmark Research →
Research-based eBook example
Research Format

Research-Based eBooks

Focused market research and analysis examining a defined technology or operating challenge. These studies combine new survey findings, market context and practical guidance in a concise, highly readable format.

Focused topic area · New primary research · Market findings · Practical frameworks and recommendations
Explore Research-Based eBooks →
Confidential custom market research report example
Research Engagement

Custom Market Research

Confidential research designed around a specific strategic question, market, audience, investment decision or technology category. Engagements may combine primary surveys, secondary research, competitive analysis and expert interpretation.

Custom research design · Confidential analysis · Market sizing and segmentation · Strategic decision support
Learn About Custom Research →
Planned Upcoming Research

Planned Upcoming Smart Decision Guide™ Titles

Starfleet Research is continually developing new Smart Decision Guides around important technology categories across hospitality, restaurants, retail, healthcare and other specialized markets. The following titles represent research initiatives currently planned or in development and are shown separately from published Starfleet Research studies.

The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Hotel Guest Engagement and Experience Management
Planned Title Hotel Guest Engagement & Experience Management Hospitality
The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Hotel Robotics
Planned Title Hotel Robotics Hospitality
The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Restaurant Digital Marketing and Loyalty Management
Planned Title Restaurant Digital Marketing & Loyalty Management Restaurants
The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Restaurant Purchasing and Inventory Management
Planned Title Restaurant Purchasing & Inventory Management Restaurants
The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Restaurant Robotics
Planned Title Restaurant Robotics Restaurants
The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Retail Inventory Management Systems
Planned Title Retail Inventory Management Systems Retail
The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Retail Management and POS Systems
Planned Title Retail Management & POS Systems Retail
The 2027 Smart Decision Guide to Revenue Cycle Management
Planned Title Revenue Cycle Management Healthcare