REPORT SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This report discusses forensic science industry products, services, and markets. It provides descriptions of technologies and products, an evaluation of trends in the application of these technologies and products, and measurements and forecasts of market demand through 2016. Company profiles and a patent analysis are provided as well. Product and service categories examined include analytical instrumentation and supplies, drug identification, toxicology, fingerprinting and biometrics, DNA profiling, and allied areas such as laboratory information management systems, forensic accounting and computer forensics, forensics consulting, and other important niches.
REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY AND ITS IMPORTANCE
The forensics business is one of the most dynamic sectors of the modern economy due to a unique confluence of technological change and social demands. In short, the capability of forensic techniques has grown by leaps and bounds, costs have dropped and hence decision makers have promoted forensics to a generally receptive public. The demand for products and services is therefore generally on an upswing.
Technology advancements in forensics have been of considerable import in recent years. Examples include higher throughput DNA sequencing machines for DNA identification, improved fingerprint recovery from metals, such as gun cartridges and bomb fragments, use of the chemistry of color to identify chemical and biological weapons, and sensing technologies that are improving the detection of drugs and explosives at security checkpoints. Other advancements include portable DNA profiling techniques used at crime scenes, greater accuracy in ascertaining the age at death of crime victims, and developments in scanning. These technological advancements have reduced per unit costs in practical applications, thus enhancing the affordability of forensic applications and increasing their market penetration.
Greater use of DNA testing and other technologies has also brought high visibility to forensic testing. The number of crime laboratories in the U.S. performing forensic analyses grew from 300 in 1999 to an estimated 475 in 2010. Publicly funded forensic crime labs now spend in aggregate more than $1 billion per year.
These laboratories analyze evidence from millions of cases annually. Although the market for forensic analyses and related products is smaller than the market for biotechnology and pharmaceutical products, crime laboratory analyses serve a critical function and the forensics sector will expand significantly in the future.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
With its broad scope and in–depth analyses, this study will prove to be a valuable resource, particularly for anyone involved with, or interested in, the forensic market for analytical instrumentation, drug and toxicology analysis, DNA profiling, and fingerprinting/biometrics.
This study will be particularly useful for researchers, laboratory and government personnel working in research or company settings, as well as business professionals involved with analytical instrumentation, drug and toxicology analysis, DNA profiling and fingerprinting and biometrics. It also will be of value to potential investors and members of the general public interested in acquiring a business–oriented view of the forensic science industry.
The projections, forecasts, and trend analyses found in this report provide readers with the necessary data and information for decision–making.
SCOPE OF REPORT
In preparing this report, an overall study of the crime laboratory segment of the U.S. forensic science market was undertaken. Related areas provided key information as well, as newer areas such as computer forensics make up a growing share of the total forensics business. All areas of the forensics market are addressed including: identification of current and future technologies, products, market segments/end markets, and government and regulatory agencies. Participating companies are discussed in light of technological strengths and weaknesses, relative market share, marketing strengths, and innovative marketing practices.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Data for this study were collected using both primary (phone interviews) and secondary data research methodologies. A literature search was conducted covering scientific, medical, business and technical documents, as well as patents. Since some segments of the forensics market are not routinely measured, BCC derived estimates from a variety of sources. Whenever market estimates are derived, they are fully noted. All forecasts are in current 2011 (nominal) dollars, unadjusted for inflation.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
Research Analyst, Kevin Gainer holds both B.A. and M.A. degrees in economic analysis and forecasting and has over 25 years of economic and market research experience. He is the author of six published books and dozens of technical papers, analyses, and studies published in conference proceedings, including many unpublished proprietary analyses within corporations. He has worked as a Research Editor and Project Analyst at BCC Research since 1985, and has authored numerous BCC technology market research reports and periodicals.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The authors assume no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.
