Research methodology
From a market question to an inspectable map.
ValueChain Maps uses research automation to accelerate market orientation. Automation does not remove the need for clear boundaries, source discipline, and structured validation.
Process
Six publication steps.
- 01
Resolve the market question
A ticker or company is treated as an entry point into an objective market. The system defines what belongs inside the map, what stays outside, and how value moves through the market.
- 02
Build the economic structure
The market is organized into causal stages and decision-useful segments. Distinctions must reflect different capabilities, participants, economics, or sources of demand.
- 03
Ground each segment
Research queries gather current market evidence. Low-value aggregators, anonymous commentary, and common content farms are excluded from the source set.
- 04
Place organizations by role
Companies are assigned to segments based on the role they perform. Products, protocols, facilities, and brands are not treated as independent companies.
- 05
Validate the structured output
External model output is validated against strict schemas. Company identities, source references, stage order, density, and placement confidence are checked before publication.
- 06
Publish only qualified maps
Catalog maps must pass a quality threshold and retain a visible research trail. Generation failures and rejected catalog candidates are not published as research pages.
Publication standard
What a published map should make clear.
Market boundary
The map explains the economic system, not merely the company used as the starting query.
Research trail
Sources remain visible so readers can continue into primary research.
Placement confidence
Company roles and uncertainty are represented explicitly rather than hidden.
Current update date
Published pages show when the research was generated and last updated.
Limits
A value chain map is an orientation tool, not a complete investment case. Company roles change, private-company information can be incomplete, and a source may not support every possible interpretation of a market.
Readers should verify material claims against current filings, regulator records, and company disclosures before making a financial decision. Inclusion is not endorsement; omission is not a negative assessment.
Explore published value chain maps