Key Insights
The global magnetic proximity sensor market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a significant value by 2033. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.90% from 2019 to 2024 indicates a consistently expanding market, driven primarily by the increasing automation across various industries. The automotive sector, with its rising adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and electric vehicles (EVs), is a major contributor to this growth. Similarly, the aerospace and defense industry’s demand for reliable and robust sensing solutions in critical applications fuels market expansion. Furthermore, the consumer electronics industry's integration of magnetic proximity sensors in smartphones, wearables, and other devices is a substantial driver. Building automation, another significant segment, benefits from the increased adoption of smart building technologies, contributing to the market's overall growth. While potential restraints like the high initial investment costs and technological complexities might exist, the long-term benefits of enhanced safety, efficiency, and precision outweigh these factors, ensuring continued market expansion.
The market segmentation reveals a diverse landscape, with Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, and Consumer Electronics as leading application segments. This highlights the versatility and broad applicability of magnetic proximity sensors. Key players like Turck Inc, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell International Inc, and others are actively involved in shaping market trends through technological innovation and strategic partnerships. Regional analysis suggests North America and Europe currently hold substantial market shares, but the Asia-Pacific region is poised for significant growth due to rapid industrialization and increasing demand for automation across various sectors. Continuous technological advancements, including the development of miniaturized sensors with enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness, further contribute to the market’s overall positive trajectory. This makes magnetic proximity sensors a compelling investment opportunity in the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation and smart technologies.

Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market: A Comprehensive Market Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Magnetic Proximity Sensor market, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, regional insights, product landscape, key players, and future outlook. The study period covers 2019-2033, with 2025 as the base and estimated year. The report caters to industry professionals, investors, and strategic decision-makers seeking a granular understanding of this dynamic sector. The parent market is the sensor market, and the child market is magnetic proximity sensors, specifically.
Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Dynamics & Structure
This section delves into the intricate structure of the magnetic proximity sensor market, examining its concentration levels, innovation drivers, regulatory landscapes, and competitive dynamics. We analyze the impact of technological advancements, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and the emergence of substitute products. The report quantifies market share distribution among key players and provides qualitative assessments of innovation barriers.
- Market Concentration: The market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure, with xx% market share held by the top 5 players.
- Technological Innovation: Continuous advancements in Hall-effect technology, miniaturization, and improved sensitivity are key drivers.
- Regulatory Landscape: Compliance with safety and performance standards (e.g., ISO, IEC) influences market growth.
- Competitive Substitutes: Optical sensors and capacitive sensors pose some competitive pressure, albeit limited.
- M&A Activity: Over the historical period (2019-2024), approximately xx M&A deals were recorded within the magnetic proximity sensor industry, predominantly focused on expanding product portfolios and geographic reach.
- End-User Demographics: The automotive and industrial automation sectors are the largest end-users, representing xx% and xx% of market demand, respectively.
The market is characterized by a robust innovation pipeline, yet high R&D costs and the need for specialized manufacturing capabilities present significant barriers to entry for new players.
Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Growth Trends & Insights
This section provides a detailed analysis of the magnetic proximity sensor market's evolution, leveraging rigorous quantitative and qualitative research. We project a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by increased automation across industries and the rising adoption of smart devices. Market penetration within key segments, including automotive and industrial automation, is also examined, offering insights into future growth potential. The impact of technological disruptions, such as the integration of AI and IoT, on consumer behavior and market dynamics is thoroughly investigated.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market
This section identifies the leading geographic regions and application segments driving market growth. The Automotive sector emerges as the dominant application segment, accounting for approximately xx million units in 2025, boosted by increased vehicle electrification and ADAS adoption.
- Key Drivers (Automotive Segment):
- Increasing demand for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
- Growth in electric and hybrid vehicle production.
- Stringent automotive safety regulations.
- Other Key Application Segments: The building automation and consumer electronics segments also show significant growth potential, driven by smart home technology and increased integration of sensors in consumer devices. Aerospace and Defense represent a smaller but steadily growing market segment.
North America and Asia-Pacific currently dominate the market, driven by robust manufacturing bases and significant consumer demand.
Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Product Landscape
The market offers a range of magnetic proximity sensors, including linear, rotary, and 3D sensors, catering to diverse application requirements. Recent innovations focus on improved accuracy, miniaturization, and enhanced robustness, often achieved through advanced Hall-effect technology and integrated signal processing capabilities. Key selling propositions include increased sensitivity, improved temperature stability, and cost-effectiveness. The integration of smart functionalities and digital interfaces enhances their appeal across a range of applications.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market
Key Drivers: The increasing demand for automation across industries, growing adoption of smart devices and IoT, and stringent safety regulations are key drivers of market growth. Technological advancements, such as the development of high-precision 3D sensors, further fuel this expansion.
Key Challenges and Restraints: The market faces challenges related to supply chain disruptions, escalating raw material costs, and intense competition from established players. Regulatory compliance and the need for consistent quality control also pose considerable obstacles. Estimates suggest that supply chain disruptions alone have impacted market growth by approximately xx% in recent years.
Emerging Opportunities in Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market
Untapped markets in developing economies, the integration of magnetic proximity sensors into innovative applications like robotics and industrial IoT (IIoT), and evolving consumer preferences for smart and automated solutions present significant opportunities for growth. The development of sensors with enhanced functionalities and improved performance metrics remains a focal point for innovation.
Growth Accelerators in the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Industry
Long-term growth is significantly accelerated by technological breakthroughs in materials science, sensor design, and signal processing. Strategic partnerships and collaborations among sensor manufacturers, system integrators, and end-users will facilitate faster adoption. Expansion into emerging markets and the development of customized sensor solutions tailored to specific application needs further enhance long-term prospects.
Key Players Shaping the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Market
- Turck Inc
- Rockwell Automation
- Honeywell International Inc
- General Electric
- IFM Electronic GmbH
- Omron Corporation
- Sick AG
- Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
- Panasonic Corporation
- Eaton Corporation
Notable Milestones in Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Sector
- November 2022: Allegro MicroSystems Inc. launched the A31316 3D hall-effect position sensor, expanding its 3DMAG product line for automotive and industrial applications.
- July 2022: Edison Group launched the 'Helio 30' smartphone, integrating a magnetic proximity sensor among other sensors.
In-Depth Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Market Outlook
The future of the magnetic proximity sensor market is bright, propelled by ongoing technological advancements, increasing automation across various sectors, and the growing demand for smart devices. Strategic investments in R&D, strategic partnerships, and expansion into new markets will further drive growth. The market presents attractive opportunities for established players and new entrants alike, offering potential for substantial returns on investments.
Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Segmentation
-
1. Application
- 1.1. Aerospace and Defense
- 1.2. Automotive
- 1.3. Consumer Electronics
- 1.4. Building Automation
- 1.5. Other Applications
Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. North America
- 2. Europe
- 3. Asia Pacific
- 4. Latin America
- 5. Middle East and Africa

Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 6.90% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increase in the Demand for Non-contact Sensing Technology
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Limitations in Sensing Capabilities
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Application in Automotive to Drive the Demand
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.1.1. Aerospace and Defense
- 5.1.2. Automotive
- 5.1.3. Consumer Electronics
- 5.1.4. Building Automation
- 5.1.5. Other Applications
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.2.1. North America
- 5.2.2. Europe
- 5.2.3. Asia Pacific
- 5.2.4. Latin America
- 5.2.5. Middle East and Africa
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6. North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.1.1. Aerospace and Defense
- 6.1.2. Automotive
- 6.1.3. Consumer Electronics
- 6.1.4. Building Automation
- 6.1.5. Other Applications
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7. Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.1.1. Aerospace and Defense
- 7.1.2. Automotive
- 7.1.3. Consumer Electronics
- 7.1.4. Building Automation
- 7.1.5. Other Applications
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8. Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.1.1. Aerospace and Defense
- 8.1.2. Automotive
- 8.1.3. Consumer Electronics
- 8.1.4. Building Automation
- 8.1.5. Other Applications
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9. Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.1.1. Aerospace and Defense
- 9.1.2. Automotive
- 9.1.3. Consumer Electronics
- 9.1.4. Building Automation
- 9.1.5. Other Applications
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10. Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 10.1.1. Aerospace and Defense
- 10.1.2. Automotive
- 10.1.3. Consumer Electronics
- 10.1.4. Building Automation
- 10.1.5. Other Applications
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 11. North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 11.1.1.
- 12. Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 12.1.1.
- 13. Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 13.1.1.
- 14. Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 14.1.1.
- 15. Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 15.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 15.1.1.
- 16. Competitive Analysis
- 16.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 16.2. Company Profiles
- 16.2.1 Turck Inc
- 16.2.1.1. Overview
- 16.2.1.2. Products
- 16.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.2 Rockwell Automation
- 16.2.2.1. Overview
- 16.2.2.2. Products
- 16.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.3 Honeywell International Inc
- 16.2.3.1. Overview
- 16.2.3.2. Products
- 16.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.4 General Electric
- 16.2.4.1. Overview
- 16.2.4.2. Products
- 16.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.5 IFM Electronic GmbH*List Not Exhaustive
- 16.2.5.1. Overview
- 16.2.5.2. Products
- 16.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.6 Omron Corporation
- 16.2.6.1. Overview
- 16.2.6.2. Products
- 16.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.7 Sick AG
- 16.2.7.1. Overview
- 16.2.7.2. Products
- 16.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.8 Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
- 16.2.8.1. Overview
- 16.2.8.2. Products
- 16.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.9 Panasonic Corporation
- 16.2.9.1. Overview
- 16.2.9.2. Products
- 16.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.10 Eaton Corporation
- 16.2.10.1. Overview
- 16.2.10.2. Products
- 16.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 16.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 16.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 16.2.1 Turck Inc
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: North America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Europe Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Asia Pacific Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 26: Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 27: Latin America Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 28: Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 29: Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 30: Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 31: Middle East and Africa Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Global Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 6.90%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market?
Key companies in the market include Turck Inc, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell International Inc, General Electric, IFM Electronic GmbH*List Not Exhaustive, Omron Corporation, Sick AG, Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH, Panasonic Corporation, Eaton Corporation.
3. What are the main segments of the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market?
The market segments include Application.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increase in the Demand for Non-contact Sensing Technology.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Application in Automotive to Drive the Demand.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Limitations in Sensing Capabilities.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
November 2022 - Allegro MicroSystems Inc., a world leader in sensing and power solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, released the A31316 3D hall-effect position sensor, the latest model in the 3DMAG line of 3D sensors. Allegro's tried-and-true planar and vertical hall-effect technologies are combined to measure magnetic field components in the 3DMAG family of rotary and linear magnetic proximity sensor ICs for automotive and industrial applications.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Magnetic Proximity Sensor Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence