In the rapidly evolving landscape of scientific research, the sheer volume of published work can be as daunting as it is inspiring. This is particularly true in the energy sector, where innovations in distributed energy resources and other cutting-edge technologies are transforming the way we power our world. Enter Eduardo Marlés-Sáenz, a researcher from the High Voltage Research Group—GRALTA at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Marlés-Sáenz has developed a groundbreaking methodology that promises to revolutionize how researchers navigate the vast sea of scientific literature.
The challenge is clear: with databases like Scopus and Web of Science overflowing with millions of scientific publications, identifying unresolved research problems and emerging trends can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Marlés-Sáenz’s innovative approach leverages big data techniques to extract relevant information, making it easier for researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers to pinpoint areas ripe for innovation.
At the heart of Marlés-Sáenz’s methodology is a structured, flowchart-guided process that uses open-source tools like Bibliometrix (R), spreadsheets, and text processing techniques. This framework allows researchers to conduct comprehensive bibliometric studies, analyzing the intellectual, conceptual, and social structures of a research field. “The goal is to provide researchers with the tools they need to precisely define their research problems and identify gaps that others might have overlooked,” Marlés-Sáenz explains.
The practical application of this methodology is already yielding impressive results. In a case study spanning the 2004–2024 period, Marlés-Sáenz and his team implemented the approach within an applied research project in engineering. The results were striking: the methodology not only answered key research questions but also demonstrated its effectiveness in systematically analyzing scientific production.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As distributed energy resources become increasingly integral to our energy systems, the ability to quickly and accurately identify research gaps and emerging trends will be crucial. This methodology could accelerate the development of new technologies, improve existing ones, and even influence regulatory policies. “By making the process of identifying research gaps more efficient, we can speed up the innovation cycle,” Marlés-Sáenz notes. “This is particularly important in fields like energy, where the stakes are high and the need for solutions is urgent.”
Beyond the energy sector, this methodology has proven adaptable to diverse disciplines, including health sciences, industrial management, construction, and urban development. The key is access to relevant databases, which Marlés-Sáenz’s approach can then mine for valuable insights.
As we look to the future, the potential of this big data-based framework is immense. It could reshape how researchers approach their work, making the process of scientific discovery more efficient and targeted. For the energy sector, this means faster development of clean, sustainable technologies and a more agile response to the challenges of climate change and energy security. This research was recently published in Energies, a journal that translates to ‘Energies’ in English. As Marlés-Sáenz and his colleagues continue to refine and expand their methodology, the scientific community stands on the cusp of a new era in research and innovation.