Identifying Knowledge Fronts Using International Reports and Documents

Abstract

This study aimed to identify emerging knowledge frontiers through the analysis of international strategic reports in science, technology, and innovation. This is a narrative review article using a descriptive analytical approach. It examines the content of key reports published by global institutions including Clarivate, McKinsey, WHO, WEF, and NATO. The data were extracted from five leading international sources and analyzed through qualitative comparative analysis and thematic classification. A synthesis-based framework was applied to identify and group overlapping knowledge clusters across domains. The review revealed substantial convergence among the reports despite institutional and strategic differences. Areas such as artificial intelligence, digital health, sustainable energy, smart agriculture, and big data emerged as common knowledge frontiers. A range of methodologies including co-citation analysis, scientometric indices, expert consultation, and policy analysis were used to identify these domains. Conceptual distinctions between “research front,” “technology trend,” and “strategic priority” were also observed. The study’s results offer a foundation for developing a localized framework to monitor and classify knowledge frontiers at the national level. It is recommended that a hybrid system integrating quantitative data and qualitative policy analysis be designed to guide science and technology strategies aligned with both global developments and local needs.