Social Sciences and Humanities Services Market Report 2025

The social sciences and humanities services market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $61.72 billion in 2024 to $69.06 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to educational expansion and research funding, demand for policy research and analysis, globalization and cross-cultural studies, increased focus on mental health and well-being, social impact assessment requirements.

The social sciences and humanities services market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $116.16 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing in education sector, expansion of social services programs, increasing focus on diversity and inclusion, rising interest in environmental and sustainability studies, policy responses to social challenges. Major trends in the forecast period include community-engaged research practices, incorporation of ethical AI practices in research, emphasis on global challenges and sustainable development goals (SDGS), rise of online and virtual research conferences, integration of mixed-methods research approaches.

The increasing demand to comprehend human behavior, identify societal issues, and discover solutions is propelling the growth of the social sciences and humanities services market. Behavioral analysis is essential for seeking solutions to various challenges, including social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental problems. This analysis aids in understanding people's perceptions, motivations, and priorities, as well as their decision-making processes and habitual behaviors that are often unconsciously regulated. For example, in November 2023, the American Psychological Association (APA), a US-based scientific and professional organization, reported that among adults, those aged 18 to 34 exhibited the highest prevalence of mental illnesses, with 50% affected in 2023, while adults aged 35 to 44 saw the most significant rise in diagnoses, with 45% reporting a mental illness. Consequently, the necessity to grasp human behavior for societal understanding and problem-solving is driving the social sciences and humanities services market.

The increasing geopolitical tensions are anticipated to drive the growth of the social sciences and humanities services market in the future. Geopolitical tensions encompass conflicts, rivalries, and disputes between nations or groups that arise from various factors, such as territorial disputes, ideological differences, resource competition, economic interests, historical grievances, and power struggles. These tensions generate a higher demand for expertise and services in areas like political risk assessment, international relations, conflict resolution, cultural analysis, historical context, and human rights advocacy. Moreover, businesses, governments, and organizations seek academic research, education, and expert advice to navigate and mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical conflicts. For example, in January 2023, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a US-based non-profit organization, reported that global violence targeting civilians increased by 12% in 2022 compared to 2021, with fatalities from direct attacks rising by at least 16%. Consequently, the escalation of geopolitical tensions is fueling the growth of the social sciences and humanities services market.

Methodological advancements, particularly in big data, are emerging as a significant trend in the social sciences and humanities services market. Researchers now have access to vast amounts of real-time, fine-grained data from various global sources. These sources include social media, mass media activities, event data, and geographic information systems. Although currently, only a limited number of social scientists utilize big data simulations in their research, the establishment of a formal institution that fosters an appropriate environment could encourage more researchers to incorporate big data into their simulations. For example, in March 2024, Singapore Management University (SMU), a specialized and research-intensive university in Singapore, announced the launch of the inaugural Social Science and Humanities Ideas Festival in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE). This event aims to highlight the role of social sciences and humanities research in tackling emerging societal challenges while promoting public engagement through a series of events, discussions, and networking opportunities.

Government funding and policies have become a crucial trend influencing the social sciences and humanities services market. This refers to the financial support and regulations established by governmental bodies to foster and oversee various activities within a country. For example, in October 2022, the National Science Foundation (NSF) initiated a workforce development program designed to enhance diversity and equity within the science and engineering workforce. This initiative aims to invest $75 million over the next five years in innovative projects that empower underrepresented groups in STEM fields. The program focuses on creating pathways for students and early-career professionals, prioritizing mentorship, community engagement, and hands-on research and technology experiences. Through these investments in research and education, the NSF seeks to strengthen the workforce in social sciences and humanities, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of society.

In May 2024, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, an independent publishing house based in the UK, has acquired Rowman & Littlefield Academic for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition aims to greatly enhance Bloomsbury's academic and digital footprint in North America, effectively doubling the size of its academic and professional business while broadening its reach in the arts, humanities, and social sciences sectors. Rowman & Littlefield Academic, a US-based publisher, specializes in academic books and journals spanning various disciplines, particularly within the humanities and social sciences.

Major companies operating in the social sciences and humanities services market include 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 2024. 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.

Social sciences and humanities services encompass offerings that contribute to a global understanding by exploring cultures worldwide. Social sciences take an analytical approach to the study of human behavior, adopting a more scientific perspective to examine relationships and societal dynamics on a broader scale.

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.

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