A broad range of WRI projects are in the area of market research which promotes the development of Australian agricultural, manufacturing and industrial resources especially in regional NSW.

Both businesses and government bodies require market data for a number of reasons including: attracting business investment; analysing public perceptions; benchmarking for future performance; evaluation of procedures; and analysis of current performance. These projects range from community surveys, investment brochures and regional profiles to demand studies, benchmarking and labour market studies.

Regional surveys are conducted with both community and business segments. Business surveys provide the community with a reliable indicator of the regional economy and an analysis of economic trends over time. Community surveys can be used to gauge public perceptions and to measure consumer sentiment.

The WRI has worked with local government and regional development boards on the development of a range of investment brochures and regional profiles. These generally include industry and community analysis with a focus on the opportunities for private business investment.