If you need to quickly immerse yourself in a topic, here is my approach:

• Start with an internet search
  Look up trends, forecasts, projections, statistics, issues, challenges, changes, tips, techniques, tricks, advantages, disadvantages, etc.  Use these actual words in your key word searches.
• Next get to the library either online or in-person
  Look for magazines and books on the topic
  Look at the reference materials in particular
• Go to industry associations and trade groups, as well as company or industry annual reports

Always cross reference sources and look for new resources on the topic.

It requires work, but you can get a handle on just about anything under the sun in less than a weekend be it a DIY project, a business opportunity, or a company that you plan to apply to for a job.