Benchmarking is a research methodology used to compare the performance of an organization, product, service, or process against industry best practices or competitors. It involves identifying key performance indicators, collecting data, analyzing results, and using the findings to improve performance and set goals for continuous improvement. Benchmarking can help organizations identify areas for improvement, learn from successful practices of others, and drive innovation and growth in their industry. It is often used as a strategic tool to improve competitiveness and drive success in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.