The taxonomy offers a granular, structured classification system to categorize and organize the education market, providing a common structure and language for
identifying, tracking, sizing and segmenting the global education and training market, as well as capturing new models, technologies and solutions.
Where Can I Find The Taxonomy?
Go to Frameworks page of the platform to explore the taxonomy and dive into any one of the Sector, Sub-Sector, or Cluster Topic Pages.
You can also check out the Global Education Market Taxonomy website for more.
Key Features of the Taxonomy
The taxonomy is structured as a three-tiered hierarchical framework. The uppermost tier consists of the four accepted Sector categories of Early Childhood Education, K-12 Education, Post-Secondary Education, and Workforce Training & Development.
The 20 Sub-Sectors across these categories capture the core functions of the market such as delivery, content and services.
Each Sub-Sector is further segmented into ‘Market Clusters’ which identify the specific functions, technologies, activities within the sub-sector.
Methodology
The Global Education Market Taxonomy embraces two classical approaches to data, analytics and design. ‘Bottom Up’ analysis powered by our Global Intelligence Platform leveraging powerful machine learning and artificial intelligence, augmenting ‘Top Down’ analysis driven by HolonIQ’s Education Intelligence Unit and our global network of experts.
Bottom Up - Machine Learning
In order to support the development of the taxonomy, we initially undertook ‘bottom-up’ analysis using HolonIQ’s proprietary machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze 60,000+ education organizations worldwide. The analysis identified natural patterns in the data using 'Unsupervised Learning' to explore new approaches to clustering and segmentation that are not anchored or biased by the more established and traditional taxonomies of education. The visualization on the right-hand side of the page for example is exploring the network of organizations in a single country. Organizations that are similar in how they support learners, parents, schools and institutions are clustered together based on the segments they service and the models and technologies they employ.
Top Down - Human Expertise
HolonIQ’s Education Intelligence Unit and our global network of experts from early childhood to lifelong learning bring deep expertise to our ‘top-down’ approach. The top-down analysis draws on the data-driven foundations of the bottom-up analysis to interpret patterns that the machine learning and artificial intelligence process produced. Considerations include context, history, purpose, business model, technologies and ecosystem relationships to add depth and interpretive understanding to the process. This also enables validation of findings against the models and innovations found in education today or expected in the future.
How to Use the HolonIQ Global Education Market Taxonomy
How is the Taxonomy Used?
The taxonomy is used by universities, education leaders, companies, investors, researchers, and policymakers to the following key activities and more:
1. Analyze Markets: Identify growth opportunities, trends, and challenges.
2. Segment Market: Pinpoint specific areas of focus within the broader education. ecosystem.
3. Standardize Communication: Ensure alignment and consistency when discussing the industry.
For example, a company developing tools for K-12 STEM education can use the taxonomy to benchmark itself against similar players or to highlight its unique position.
How Does HolonIQ Map Developments, Organizations, and Insights to the Taxonomy?
The HolonIQ Education Market Taxonomy goes beyond categorization—it serves as a dynamic framework to map critical industry developments, organizations, and insights, providing a comprehensive view of the global education landscape.
Developments in Education
Developments represent the critical moments shaping the industry—policy changes, key innovations, and events. Each development is mapped across the taxonomy, providing context for its impact on specific sectors and clusters.
Mapping Organizations
Organizations are categorized by their role, size, activity, and focus within the taxonomy. Whether users are analyzing a technology provider, a funding entity, or a learning institution, the taxonomy provides a structured lens to evaluate their place in the education ecosystem.
Insights Through Briefings and Reports
HolonIQ’s analysts combine mapped data into actionable insights. Briefings, reports, and curated lists are all organized by taxonomy clusters, enabling targeted exploration of key trends and market shifts.
Topic Pages, Feeds, Dashboards
The taxonomy connects data sources, allowing users to explore the education industry at both macro and micro levels. These interconnected views help users stay informed about broad trends while enabling deep dives into specific areas of interest.
Investment and Market Activity
Investment data is also mapped to the taxonomy, providing visibility into financial activity within clusters. This approach helps stakeholders analyze capital flows and identify emerging market opportunities.
Explore the Taxonomy
Through these mappings, the Global Education Market Taxonomy empowers users to navigate the education sector with clarity and precision. Dive deeper into the taxonomy on the Frameworks page to explore how it connects data and insights across the global education landscape.