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Research Gap – Types, Examples and How to Identify

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Research Gap

Definition:

Research gap refers to an area or topic within a field of study that has not yet been extensively researched or is yet to be explored. It is a question, problem or issue that has not been addressed or resolved by previous research.

How to Identify Research Gap

Identifying a research gap is an essential step in conducting research that adds value and contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Research gap requires critical thinking, creativity, and a thorough understanding of the existing literature . It is an iterative process that may require revisiting and refining your research questions and ideas multiple times.

Here are some steps that can help you identify a research gap:

• Review existing literature: Conduct a thorough review of the existing literature in your research area. This will help you identify what has already been studied and what gaps still exist.
• Identify a research problem: Identify a specific research problem or question that you want to address.
• Analyze existing research: Analyze the existing research related to your research problem. This will help you identify areas that have not been studied, inconsistencies in the findings, or limitations of the previous research.
• Brainstorm potential research ideas : Based on your analysis, brainstorm potential research ideas that address the identified gaps.
• Consult with experts: Consult with experts in your research area to get their opinions on potential research ideas and to identify any additional gaps that you may have missed.
• Refine research questions: Refine your research questions and hypotheses based on the identified gaps and potential research ideas.
• Develop a research proposal: Develop a research proposal that outlines your research questions, objectives, and methods to address the identified research gap.

Types of Research Gap

There are different types of research gaps that can be identified, and each type is associated with a specific situation or problem. Here are the main types of research gaps and their explanations:

Theoretical Gap

This type of research gap refers to a lack of theoretical understanding or knowledge in a particular area. It can occur when there is a discrepancy between existing theories and empirical evidence or when there is no theory that can explain a particular phenomenon. Identifying theoretical gaps can lead to the development of new theories or the refinement of existing ones.

Empirical Gap

An empirical gap occurs when there is a lack of empirical evidence or data in a particular area. It can happen when there is a lack of research on a specific topic or when existing research is inadequate or inconclusive. Identifying empirical gaps can lead to the development of new research studies to collect data or the refinement of existing research methods to improve the quality of data collected.

Methodological Gap

This type of research gap refers to a lack of appropriate research methods or techniques to answer a research question. It can occur when existing methods are inadequate, outdated, or inappropriate for the research question. Identifying methodological gaps can lead to the development of new research methods or the modification of existing ones to better address the research question.

Practical Gap

A practical gap occurs when there is a lack of practical applications or implementation of research findings. It can occur when research findings are not implemented due to financial, political, or social constraints. Identifying practical gaps can lead to the development of strategies for the effective implementation of research findings in practice.

Knowledge Gap

This type of research gap occurs when there is a lack of knowledge or information on a particular topic. It can happen when a new area of research is emerging, or when research is conducted in a different context or population. Identifying knowledge gaps can lead to the development of new research studies or the extension of existing research to fill the gap.

Examples of Research Gap

Here are some examples of research gaps that researchers might identify:

• Theoretical Gap Example : In the field of psychology, there might be a theoretical gap related to the lack of understanding of the relationship between social media use and mental health. Although there is existing research on the topic, there might be a lack of consensus on the mechanisms that link social media use to mental health outcomes.
• Empirical Gap Example : In the field of environmental science, there might be an empirical gap related to the lack of data on the long-term effects of climate change on biodiversity in specific regions. Although there might be some studies on the topic, there might be a lack of data on the long-term effects of climate change on specific species or ecosystems.
• Methodological Gap Example : In the field of education, there might be a methodological gap related to the lack of appropriate research methods to assess the impact of online learning on student outcomes. Although there might be some studies on the topic, existing research methods might not be appropriate to assess the complex relationships between online learning and student outcomes.
• Practical Gap Example: In the field of healthcare, there might be a practical gap related to the lack of effective strategies to implement evidence-based practices in clinical settings. Although there might be existing research on the effectiveness of certain practices, they might not be implemented in practice due to various barriers, such as financial constraints or lack of resources.
• Knowledge Gap Example: In the field of anthropology, there might be a knowledge gap related to the lack of understanding of the cultural practices of indigenous communities in certain regions. Although there might be some research on the topic, there might be a lack of knowledge about specific cultural practices or beliefs that are unique to those communities.

Examples of Research Gap In Literature Review, Thesis, and Research Paper might be:

• Literature review : A literature review on the topic of machine learning and healthcare might identify a research gap in the lack of studies that investigate the use of machine learning for early detection of rare diseases.
• Thesis : A thesis on the topic of cybersecurity might identify a research gap in the lack of studies that investigate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in detecting and preventing cyber attacks.
• Research paper : A research paper on the topic of natural language processing might identify a research gap in the lack of studies that investigate the use of natural language processing techniques for sentiment analysis in non-English languages.

How to Write Research Gap

By following these steps, you can effectively write about research gaps in your paper and clearly articulate the contribution that your study will make to the existing body of knowledge.

Here are some steps to follow when writing about research gaps in your paper:

• Identify the research question : Before writing about research gaps, you need to identify your research question or problem. This will help you to understand the scope of your research and identify areas where additional research is needed.
• Review the literature: Conduct a thorough review of the literature related to your research question. This will help you to identify the current state of knowledge in the field and the gaps that exist.
• Identify the research gap: Based on your review of the literature, identify the specific research gap that your study will address. This could be a theoretical, empirical, methodological, practical, or knowledge gap.
• Provide evidence: Provide evidence to support your claim that the research gap exists. This could include a summary of the existing literature, a discussion of the limitations of previous studies, or an analysis of the current state of knowledge in the field.
• Explain the importance: Explain why it is important to fill the research gap. This could include a discussion of the potential implications of filling the gap, the significance of the research for the field, or the potential benefits to society.
• State your research objectives: State your research objectives, which should be aligned with the research gap you have identified. This will help you to clearly articulate the purpose of your study and how it will address the research gap.

Importance of Research Gap

The importance of research gaps can be summarized as follows:

• Advancing knowledge: Identifying research gaps is crucial for advancing knowledge in a particular field. By identifying areas where additional research is needed, researchers can fill gaps in the existing body of knowledge and contribute to the development of new theories and practices.
• Guiding research: Research gaps can guide researchers in designing studies that fill those gaps. By identifying research gaps, researchers can develop research questions and objectives that are aligned with the needs of the field and contribute to the development of new knowledge.
• Enhancing research quality: By identifying research gaps, researchers can avoid duplicating previous research and instead focus on developing innovative research that fills gaps in the existing body of knowledge. This can lead to more impactful research and higher-quality research outputs.
• Informing policy and practice: Research gaps can inform policy and practice by highlighting areas where additional research is needed to inform decision-making. By filling research gaps, researchers can provide evidence-based recommendations that have the potential to improve policy and practice in a particular field.

Applications of Research Gap

Here are some potential applications of research gap:

• Informing research priorities: Research gaps can help guide research funding agencies and researchers to prioritize research areas that require more attention and resources.
• Identifying practical implications: Identifying gaps in knowledge can help identify practical applications of research that are still unexplored or underdeveloped.
• Stimulating innovation: Research gaps can encourage innovation and the development of new approaches or methodologies to address unexplored areas.
• Improving policy-making: Research gaps can inform policy-making decisions by highlighting areas where more research is needed to make informed policy decisions.
• Enhancing academic discourse: Research gaps can lead to new and constructive debates and discussions within academic communities, leading to more robust and comprehensive research.

Advantages of Research Gap

Here are some of the advantages of research gap:

• Identifies new research opportunities: Identifying research gaps can help researchers identify areas that require further exploration, which can lead to new research opportunities.
• Improves the quality of research: By identifying gaps in current research, researchers can focus their efforts on addressing unanswered questions, which can improve the overall quality of research.
• Enhances the relevance of research: Research that addresses existing gaps can have significant implications for the development of theories, policies, and practices, and can therefore increase the relevance and impact of research.
• Helps avoid duplication of effort: Identifying existing research can help researchers avoid duplicating efforts, saving time and resources.
• Helps to refine research questions: Research gaps can help researchers refine their research questions, making them more focused and relevant to the needs of the field.
• Promotes collaboration: By identifying areas of research that require further investigation, researchers can collaborate with others to conduct research that addresses these gaps, which can lead to more comprehensive and impactful research outcomes.

Disadvantages of Research Gap

While research gaps can be advantageous, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be considered:

• Difficulty in identifying gaps: Identifying gaps in existing research can be challenging, particularly in fields where there is a large volume of research or where research findings are scattered across different disciplines.
• Lack of funding: Addressing research gaps may require significant resources, and researchers may struggle to secure funding for their work if it is perceived as too risky or uncertain.
• Time-consuming: Conducting research to address gaps can be time-consuming, particularly if the research involves collecting new data or developing new methods.
• Risk of oversimplification: Addressing research gaps may require researchers to simplify complex problems, which can lead to oversimplification and a failure to capture the complexity of the issues.
• Bias : Identifying research gaps can be influenced by researchers’ personal biases or perspectives, which can lead to a skewed understanding of the field.
• Potential for disagreement: Identifying research gaps can be subjective, and different researchers may have different views on what constitutes a gap in the field, leading to disagreements and debate.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How To Find A Research Gap, Quickly

A step-by-step guide for new researchers

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewer: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | April 2023

If you’ve got a dissertation, thesis or research project coming up, one of the first (and most important) things you’ll need to do is find a suitable research gap . In this post, we’ll share a straightforward process to help you uncover high-quality, original research gaps in a very time-efficient manner.

Overview: Finding Research Gaps

• What exactly is a research gap?
• Research gap vs research topic
• How to find potential research gaps
• How to evaluate research gaps (and topics)
• Key takeaways

What is a research gap?

As a starting point, it’s useful to first define what we mean by research gap, to ensure we’re all on the same page. The term “research gap” gets thrown around quite loosely by students and academics alike, so let’s clear that up.

Simply put, a research gap is any space where there’s a lack of solid, agreed-upon research regarding a specific topic, issue or phenomenon. In other words, there’s a lack of established knowledge and, consequently, a need for further research.

Let’s look at a hypothetical example to illustrate a research gap.

Within the existing research regarding factors affect job satisfaction , there may be a wealth of established and agreed-upon empirical work within a US and UK context , but very little research within Eastern nations such as Japan or Korea . Given that these nations have distinctly different national cultures and workforce compositions compared to the West, it’s plausible that the factors that contribute toward job satisfaction may also be different. Therefore, a research gap emerges for studies that explore this matter.

This example is purely hypothetical (and there’s probably plenty of research covering this already), but it illustrates the core point that a research gap reflects a lack of firmly established knowledge regarding a specific matter . Given this lack, an opportunity exists for researchers (like you) to go on and fill the gap.

So, it’s the same as a research topic?

Not quite – but they are connected. A research gap refers to an area where there’s a lack of settled research , whereas a research topic outlines the focus of a specific study . Despite being different things, these two are related because research gaps are the birthplace of research topics. In other words, by identifying a clear research gap, you have a foundation from which you can build a research topic for your specific study. Your study is unlikely to resolve the entire research gap on it’s own, but it will contribute towards it .

If you’d like to learn more, we’ve got a comprehensive post that covers research gaps (including the different types of research gaps), as well as an explainer video below.

How to find a research gap

Now that we’ve defined what a research gap is, it’s time to get down to the process of finding potential research gaps that you can use as a basis for potential research topics. Importantly, it’s worth noting that this is just one way (of many) to find a research gap (and consequently a topic). We’re not proposing that it’s the only way or best way, but it’s certainly a relatively quick way to identify opportunities.

Step 1: Identify your broad area of interest

The very first step to finding a research gap is to decide on your general area of interest . For example, if you were undertaking a dissertation as part of an MBA degree, you may decide that you’re interested in corporate reputation, HR strategy, or leadership styles. As you can see, these are broad categories – there’s no need to get super specific just yet. Of course, if there is something very specific that you’re interested in, that’s great – but don’t feel pressured to narrow it down too much right now.

Equally important is to make sure that this area of interest is allowed by your university or whichever institution you’ll be proposing your research to. This might sound dead obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many times we’ve seen students run down a path with great excitement, only to later learn that their university wants a very specific area of focus in terms of topic (and their area of interest doesn’t qualify).

Step 2: Do an initial literature scan

Once you’ve pinned down your broad area (or areas) of interest, the next step is to head over to Google Scholar to undertake an initial literature scan . If you’re not familiar with this tool, Google Scholar is a great starting point for finding academic literature on pretty much any topic, as it uses Google’s powerful search capabilities to hunt down relevant academic literature. It’s certainly not the be-all and end-all of literature search tools, but it’s a useful starting point .

Within Google Scholar, you’ll want to do a few searches using keywords that are relevant to your area of interest. Sticking with our earlier example, we could use the key phrase “job satisfaction”, or we may want to get a little more specific – perhaps “job satisfaction for millennials” or “job satisfaction in Japan”.

It’s always a good idea to play around with as many keywords/phrases as you can think up.  Take an iterative approach here and see which keywords yield the most relevant results for you. Keep each search open in a new tab, as this will help keep things organised for the next steps.

Once you’ve searched for a few different keywords/phrases, you’ll need to do some refining for each of the searches you undertook. Specifically, you’ll need to filter the results down to the most recent papers . You can do this by selecting the time period in the top left corner (see the example below).

Filtering to the current year is typically a good choice (especially for fast-moving research areas), but in some cases, you may need to filter to the last two years . If you’re undertaking this task in January or February, for example, you’ll likely need to select a two-year period.

Need a helping hand?

Step 3: Review and shortlist articles that interest you

Once you’ve run a few searches using different keywords and phrases, you’ll need to scan through the results to see what looks most relevant and interesting to you. At this stage, you can just look at the titles and abstracts (the description provided by Google Scholar) – don’t worry about reading the actual article just yet.

Next, select 5 – 10 articles that interest you and open them up. Here, we’re making the assumption that your university has provided you with access to a decent range of academic databases. In some cases, Google Scholar will link you directly to a PDF of the article, but in most cases, you’ll need paid access. If you don’t have this (for example, if you’re still applying to a university), you can look at two options:

Open-access articles – these are free articles which you can access without any journal subscription. A quick Google search (the regular Google) will help you find open-access journals in your area of interest, but you can also have a look at DOAJ and Elsevier Open Access.

DeepDyve – this is a monthly subscription service that allows you to get access to a broad range of journals. At the time of shooting this video, their monthly subscription is around $50 and they do offer a free trial, which may be sufficient for your project.

Step 4: Skim-read your article shortlist

Now, it’s time to dig into your article shortlist and do some reading. But don’t worry, you don’t need to read the articles from start to finish – you just need to focus on a few key sections.

Specifically, you’ll need to pay attention to the following:

• The abstract (which you’ve probably already read a portion of in Google Scholar)
• The introduction – this will give you a bit more detail about the context and background of the study, as well as what the researchers were trying to achieve (their research aims)
• The discussion or conclusion – this will tell you what the researchers found

By skimming through these three sections for each journal article on your shortlist, you’ll gain a reasonable idea of what each study was about, without having to dig into the painful details. Generally, these sections are usually quite short, so it shouldn’t take you too long.

Step 5: Go “FRIN hunting”

This is where the magic happens. Within each of the articles on your shortlist, you’ll want to search for a few very specific phrases , namely:

• Future research
• Further research
• Research opportunities
• Research directions

All of these terms are commonly found in what we call the “FRIN” section . FRIN stands for “further research is needed”. The FRIN is where the researchers explain what other researchers could do to build on their study, or just on the research area in general. In other words, the FRIN section is where you can find fresh opportunities for novel research . Most empirical studies will either have a dedicated FRIN section or paragraph, or they’ll allude to the FRIN toward the very end of the article. You’ll need to do a little scanning, but it’s usually pretty easy to spot.

It’s worth mentioning that naturally, the FRIN doesn’t hand you a list of research gaps on a platter. It’s not a silver bullet for finding research gaps – but it’s the closest thing to it. Realistically, the FRIN section helps you shortcut the gap-hunting process  by highlighting novel research avenues that are worth exploring.

This probably sounds a little conceptual, so let’s have a look at a few examples:

The impact of overeducation on job outcomes: Evidence from Saudi Arabia (Alzubaidi, 2020)

If you scroll down to the bottom of this article, you’ll see there’s a dedicated section called “Limitations and directions for future research”. Here they talk about the limitations of the study and provide suggestions about how future researchers could improve upon their work and overcome the limitations.

Perceived organizational support and job satisfaction: a moderated mediation model of proactive personality and psychological empowerment (Maan et al, 2020)

In this article, within the limitations section, they provide a wonderfully systematic structure where they discuss each limitation, followed by a proposal as to how future studies can overcome the respective limitation. In doing so, they are providing very specific research opportunities for other researchers.

Medical professionals’ job satisfaction and telemedicine readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic: solutions to improve medical practice in Egypt (El-Mazahy et al, 2023)

In this article, they don’t have a dedicated section discussing the FRIN, but we can deduct it based on the limitations section. For example, they state that an evaluation of the knowledge about telemedicine and technology-related skills would have enabled studying their independent effect on the perception of telemedicine.

Follow this FRIN-seeking process for the articles you shortlisted and map out any potentially interesting research gaps . You may find that you need to look at a larger number of articles to find something interesting, or you might find that your area of interest shifts as you engage in the reading – this is perfectly natural. Take as much time as you need to develop a shortlist of potential research gaps that interest you.

Importantly, once you’ve developed a shortlist of potential research gaps, you need to return to Google Scholar to double-check that there aren’t fresh studies that have already addressed the gap. Remember, if you’re looking at papers from two years ago in a fast-moving field, someone else may have jumped on it . Nevertheless, there could still very well be a unique angle you could take – perhaps a contextual gap (e.g. a specific country, industry, etc.).

Ultimately, the need for originality will depend on your specific university’s requirements and the level of study. For example, if you’re doing an undergraduate research project, the originality requirements likely won’t be as gruelling as say a Masters or PhD project. So, make sure you have a clear understanding of what your university’s expectations are. A good way to do this is to look at past dissertations and theses for your specific programme. You can usually find these in the university library or by asking the faculty.

How to evaluate potential research gaps

Once you’ve developed a shortlist of potential research gaps (and resultant potential research topics) that interest you, you’ll need to systematically evaluate  them  to choose a winner. There are many factors to consider here, but some important ones include the following:

• Originality and value – is the topic sufficiently novel and will addressing it create value?
• Data access – will you be able to get access to the sample of interest?
• Costs – will there be additional costs involved for data collection and/or analysis?
• Timeframes – will you be able to collect and analyse the data within the timeframe required by your university?
• Supervisor support – is there a suitable supervisor available to support your project from start to finish?

To help you evaluate your options systematically, we’ve got a topic evaluation worksheet that allows you to score each potential topic against a comprehensive set of criteria. You can access the worksheet completely free of charge here .

Recap: Key Takeaways

We’ve covered quite a lot of ground in this post. Here are the key takeaways:

• A research gap is any space where there’s a lack of solid, agreed-upon research regarding a specific topic/issue/phenomenon.
• Unique research topics emerge from research gaps , so it’s essential to first identify high-quality research gaps before you attempt to define a topic.
• To find potential research gaps, start by seeking out recent journal articles on Google Scholar and pay particular attention to the FRIN section to identify novel opportunities.
• Once you have a shortlist of prospective research gaps and resultant topic ideas, evaluate them systematically using a comprehensive set of criteria.

If you’d like to get hands-on help finding a research gap and research topic, be sure to check out our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the research journey, step by step.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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Very useful for me, but i am still confusing review of literature review, how to find out topic related previous research.

Powerful notes! Thanks a lot.

This is helpful. Thanks a lot.

Thank you very much for this. It is really a great opportunity for me to learn the research journey.

Very Useful

It nice job

You have sharpened my articulations of these components to the core. Thanks so much.

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Write Like a Scientist

A Guide to Scientific Communication

Gap Statements

  A gap is something that remains to be done or learned in an area of research; it’s a gap in the knowledge of the scientists in the field of research of your study. Every research project must, in some way, address a gap–that is, attempt to fill in some piece of information missing in the scientific literature. Otherwise, it is not novel research and is therefore not contributing to the overall goals of science.

Identify the gap.

  A gap statement is found in the Introduction section of a journal article or poster or in the Goals and Importance section of a research proposal and succinctly identifies for your audience the gap that you will attempt to address in your project.

A gap might be a lack of understanding about how well a particular instrument works in a certain situation. It could be introducing a new method that needs to be tested. Or it could be that you are studying a whole new organism, system, or part of a process. Your project may also address multiple gaps, in which case you should be sure to identify each of them clearly!

In a class, you might not always be studying something brand “new.” But, in most cases, you should still try to come up with something unique about your project, however small. Talk to your professor about what they expect for your gap statement if nothing seems to work.

Here, the authors signal to us that this is a gap because they use the words “has not yet been clarified.” Other phrases that might help you identify (or form!) a gap statement are:

• …has/have not been… (studied/reported/elucidated)
• …is required/needed…
• …the key question is/remains…
• …it is important to address…

Fill the gap.

  Once you identify the gap in the literature, you must tell your audience how you attempt to at least somewhat address in your project this lack of knowledge or understanding . In a journal article or poster, this is often done in a new paragraph and should be accomplished in one summary statement, such as:

Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lead on the hepatobiliary system, especially on the liver and on the gallbladder (adapted from Sipos et al. 2003 ).

You’ll often find that the first sentence of the last paragraph in a paper’s introduction will start somewhat like this, indicating the gap fill.  

Remember–always keep your voice professional! Colloquial phrases such as “we looked into” or “we checked if” should be avoided when introducing your gap fill.

So let’s look at this idea in context by looking at some examples from a couple of types of papers. The gap statements are underlined; the fills are italicized.  

In the second and third examples, the gap may be a little less obvious–it doesn’t use any phrases to signal to you that there’s something missing, such as “has not been clarified” or “have not been reported.” But because of the way the paragraph is laid out–following the conventions of our move structures–we can see that the underlined section of text is indeed the missing information in the literature that the group sought to address in their project.

Research to Action

The Global Guide to Research Impact

Social Media

Framing challenges

• Gap analysis for literature reviews and advancing useful knowledge

By Steve Wallis and Bernadette Wright 02/06/2020

The basics of research are seemingly clear. Read a lot of articles, see what’s missing, and conduct research to fill the gap in the literature. Wait a minute. What is that? ‘See what’s missing?’ How can we see something that is not there?

Imagine you are videoconferencing a colleague who is showing you the results of their project. Suddenly, the screen and sound cut out for a minute. After pressing some keys, you manage to restore the link; only to have your colleague ask, ‘What do you think?’. Of course, you know that you missed something from the presentation because of the disconnection. You can see that something is missing, and you know what to ask for to get your desired results, ‘Sorry, could you repeat that last minute of your presentation, please’. It’s not so easy when we’re looking at research results, proposals, or literature reviews.

While all research is, to some extent, useful, we’ve seen a lot of research that does not have the expected impact. That means wasted time, wasted money, under-served clients, and frustration on multiple levels. A big part of that problem is that directions for research are often chosen intuitively; in a sort of ad-hoc process. While we deeply respect the intuition of experts, that kind of process is not very rigorous.

In this post, we will show you how to ‘see the invisible’: How to identify the missing pieces in any study, literature review, or program analysis. With these straight-forward techniques, you will be able to better target your research in a more cost-effective way to fill those knowledge gaps to develop more effective theories, plans, and evaluations.

The first step is to choose your source material. That can be one or more articles, reports, or other study results. Of course, you want to be sure that the material you use is of high quality . Next, you want to create a causal map of your source material.

We’re going to go a bit abstract on you here because people sometimes get lost in the ‘content’ when what we are looking at here is more about the ‘structure’. Think of it like choosing how to buy a house based on how well it is built, rather than what color it is painted. So, instead of using actual concepts, we’ll refer to them as concepts A, B, C… and so on.

So, the text might say something like: ‘Our research shows that A causes B, B causes C, and D causes less C. Oh yes, and E is also important (although we’re not sure how it’s causally connected to A, B, C, or D)’.

When we draw causal maps from the source material we’ve found, we like to have key concepts in circles, with causal connections represented by arrows.

Figure 1. Abstract example of a causal map of a theory

There are really three basic kinds of gaps for you to find: relevance/meaning, logic/structure, and data/evidence. Starting with structure, there is a gap any place where there are two circles NOT connected by a causal arrow. It is important to have at least two arrows pointing at each concept/circle for the same reason we like to have multiple independent variables for each dependent variable (although, with more complex maps, we’re learning to see these as interdependent variables).

For example, there is no arrow between A and D. Also, there is no arrow between E and any of the other concepts. Each of those is a structural gap – an opening for additional research.

You might also notice that there are two arrows pointing directly at C. Like having two independent variables and one dependent variable, it is structurally better to have at least two arrows pointing at each concept.

So, structurally , C is in good shape. This part of the map has the least need for additional research. A larger gap exists around B, because it has only one arrow pointing at it (the arrow from A to B). Larger still is the gap around A, D, and E; because they have no arrows pointing at them.

To get the greatest leverage for your research dollar, it is generally best to search for that second arrow. In short, one research question would be: What (aside from A) has a causal influence on B? Other good research questions would be (a) Is there a causal relationship between A and D? (b) Is there a causal relationship between E and any of the other concepts? (c) What else besides A helps cause B? (d) What are the causes of A, D, and E?

Now, let’s take a look at gaps in the data, evidence, or information upon which each causal arrow is established.

From structure to data

Here, we add to the drawing by making a note showing (very briefly) the kind of data supporting each causal arrow. We like to have that in a box – with a loopy line ‘typing’ the evidence to the connection. You can also use different colors to more easily differentiate between the concepts and the evidence on your map. You can also write the note along the length of the arrow.

Figure 2. Tying the data to the structure

From data to stakeholder relevance

Finally, the gap in meaning (relevance) asks if those studies were done with the ‘right’ people. By this, we mean people related to the situation or topic you are studying. Managers, line workers, clients, suppliers, those providing related services; all of those and more should be included. Similarly, you might look to a variety of academic disciplines, drawing expertise from psychology, sociology, business, economics, policy, and others.

Which participants or stakeholders are actually part of your research depends on the project. However, in general, having a broader selection of stakeholder groups results in a better map. This applies to both choosing what concepts go on the map and also who to contact for interviews and surveys.

Visualizing the gaps

All of these three gaps – gaps in structure, data, and stakeholder perspectives – can (and should) be addressed to help you choose more focused directions for your research – to generate research results that will have more impact. As a final note, remember that many gaps may be filled with secondary research; a new literature review that fills the gaps in the logic/structure, data/information, and meaning/relevance of your map so that your organisation can have a greater impact.

Figure 3. Visualizing the gaps (shown in green)

Some deeper reading on literature reviews may be found here:

• Practical Mapping for Applied Research and Program Evaluation (SAGE) provides a ‘jargon free’ explanation for every phase of research:

https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/practical-mapping-for-applied-research-and-program-evaluation/book261152   (especially Chapter 3)

• This paper uses theories for addressing poverty from a range of academic disciplines and from policy centers from across the political spectrum as an example of interdisciplinary knowledge mapping and synthesis:

https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/K-03-2018-0136/full/html

• Restructuring evaluation findings into useful knowledge:

http://journals.sfu.ca/jmde/index.php/jmde_1/article/download/481/436/

This approach helps you to avoid fuzzy understandings and the dangerous ‘pretence of knowledge’ that occasionally crops up in some reports and recommendations. Everyone can see that a piece is missing and so more easily agree where more research is needed to advance our knowledge to better serve our organisational and community constituents.

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How to Identify a Research Gap

• 5-minute read
• 10th January 2024

If you’ve been tasked with producing a thesis or dissertation, one of your first steps will be identifying a research gap. Although finding a research gap may sound daunting, don’t fret! In this post, we will define a research gap, discuss its importance, and offer a step-by-step guide that will provide you with the essential know-how to complete this critical step and move on to the rest of your research project.

What Is a Research Gap?

Simply put, a research gap is an area that hasn’t been explored in the existing literature. This could be an unexplored population, an untested method, or a condition that hasn’t been investigated yet. 

Why Is Identifying a Research Gap Important?

Identifying a research gap is a foundational step in the research process. It ensures that your research is significant and has the ability to advance knowledge within a specific area. It also helps you align your work with the current needs and challenges of your field. Identifying a research gap has many potential benefits.

1. Avoid Redundancy in Your Research

Understanding the existing literature helps researchers avoid duplication. This means you can steer clear of topics that have already been extensively studied. This ensures your work is novel and contributes something new to the field.

2. Guide the Research Design

Identifying a research gap helps shape your research design and questions. You can tailor your studies to specifically address the identified gap. This ensures that your work directly contributes to filling the void in knowledge.

3. Practical Applications

Research that addresses a gap is more likely to have practical applications and contributions. Whether in academia, industry, or policymaking, research that fills a gap in knowledge is often more applicable and can inform decision-making and practices in real-world contexts.

4. Field Advancements

Addressing a research gap can lead to advancements in the field . It may result in the development of new theories, methodologies, or technologies that push the boundaries of current understanding.

5. Strategic Research Planning

Identifying a research gap is crucial for strategic planning . It helps researchers and institutions prioritize areas that need attention so they can allocate resources effectively. This ensures that efforts are directed toward the most critical gaps in knowledge.

6. Academic and Professional Recognition

Researchers who successfully address significant research gaps often receive peer recognition within their academic and professional communities. This recognition can lead to opportunities for collaboration, funding, and career advancement.

How Do I Identify a Research Gap?

1. clearly define your research topic .

Begin by clearly defining your research topic. A well-scoped topic serves as the foundation for your studies. Make sure it’s not too broad or too narrow; striking the right balance will make it easier to identify gaps in existing literature.

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2. Conduct a Thorough Literature Review

A comprehensive literature review is a vital step in any research. Dive deep into the existing research related to your topic. Look for patterns, recurring themes, and consensus among scholars. Pay attention to areas where conflicting opinions or gaps in understanding emerge.

3. Evaluate Existing Studies

Critically evaluate the studies you encounter during your literature review. Assess the paradigms , methodologies, findings, and limitations of each. Note any discrepancies, unanswered questions, or areas where further investigation is warranted. These are potential indicators of research gaps.

4. Identify Unexplored Perspectives

Consider the perspectives presented in the existing literature. Are there alternative viewpoints or marginalized voices that haven’t been adequately explored? Identifying and incorporating diverse perspectives can often lead to uncharted territory and help you pinpoint a unique research gap.

Additional Tips

Stay up to date with emerging trends.

The field of research is dynamic, with new developments and emerging trends constantly shaping the landscape. Stay up to date with the latest publications, conferences, and discussions in your field and make sure to regularly check relevant academic search engines . Often, identifying a research gap involves being at the forefront of current debates and discussions.

Seek Guidance From Experts

Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts in your field for guidance. Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars where you can interact with seasoned researchers. Their insights and experience can provide valuable perspectives on potential research gaps that you may have overlooked. You can also seek advice from your academic advisor .

Use Research Tools and Analytics

Leverage tech tools to analyze patterns and trends in the existing literature. Tools like citation analysis, keyword mapping, and data visualization can help you identify gaps and areas with limited exploration.

Identifying a research gap is a skill that evolves with experience and dedication. By defining your research topic, meticulously navigating the existing literature, critically evaluating studies, and recognizing unexplored perspectives, you’ll be on your way to identifying a research gap that will serve as the foundation for your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic .

If you need any help with proofreading your research paper , we can help with our research paper editing services . You can even try a sample of our services for free . Good luck with all your research!

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Identifying Research Gaps to Pursue Innovative Research

This article is an excerpt from a lecture given by my Ph.D. guide, a researcher in public health. She advised us on how to identify research gaps to pursue innovative research in our fields.

What is a Research Gap?

Today we are talking about the research gap: what is it, how to identify it, and how to make use of it so that you can pursue innovative research. Now, how many of you have ever felt you had discovered a new and exciting research question , only to find that it had already been written about? I have experienced this more times than I can count. Graduate studies come with pressure to add new knowledge to the field. We can contribute to the progress and knowledge of humanity. To do this, we need to first learn to identify research gaps in the existing literature.

A research gap is, simply, a topic or area for which missing or insufficient information limits the ability to reach a conclusion for a question. It should not be confused with a research question, however. For example, if we ask the research question of what the healthiest diet for humans is, we would find many studies and possible answers to this question. On the other hand, if we were to ask the research question of what are the effects of antidepressants on pregnant women, we would not find much-existing data. This is a research gap. When we identify a research gap, we identify a direction for potentially new and exciting research.

How to Identify Research Gap?

Considering the volume of existing research, identifying research gaps can seem overwhelming or even impossible. I don’t have time to read every paper published on public health. Similarly, you guys don’t have time to read every paper. So how can you identify a research gap?

There are different techniques in various disciplines, but we can reduce most of them down to a few steps, which are:

• Identify your key motivating issue/question
• Identify key terms associated with this issue
• Review the literature, searching for these key terms and identifying relevant publications
• Review the literature cited by the key publications which you located in the above step
• Identify issues not addressed by  the literature relating to your critical  motivating issue

It is the last step which we all find the most challenging. It can be difficult to figure out what an article is  not  saying. I like to keep a list of notes of biased or inconsistent information. You could also track what authors write as “directions for future research,” which often can point us towards the existing gaps.

Different Types of Research Gaps

Identifying research gaps is an essential step in conducting research, as it helps researchers to refine their research questions and to focus their research efforts on areas where there is a need for more knowledge or understanding.

1. Knowledge gaps

These are gaps in knowledge or understanding of a subject, where more research is needed to fill the gaps. For example, there may be a lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind a particular disease or how a specific technology works.

2. Conceptual gaps

These are gaps in the conceptual framework or theoretical understanding of a subject. For example, there may be a need for more research to understand the relationship between two concepts or to refine a theoretical framework.

3. Methodological gaps

These are gaps in the methods used to study a particular subject. For example, there may be a need for more research to develop new research methods or to refine existing methods to address specific research questions.

4. Data gaps

These are gaps in the data available on a particular subject. For example, there may be a need for more research to collect data on a specific population or to develop new measures to collect data on a particular construct.

5. Practical gaps

These are gaps in the application of research findings to practical situations. For example, there may be a need for more research to understand how to implement evidence-based practices in real-world settings or to identify barriers to implementing such practices.

Examples of Research Gap

Limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms of a disease:.

Despite significant research on a particular disease, there may be a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disease. For example, although much research has been done on Alzheimer’s disease, the exact mechanisms that lead to the disease are not yet fully understood.

Inconsistencies in the findings of previous research:

When previous research on a particular topic has inconsistent findings, there may be a need for further research to clarify or resolve these inconsistencies. For example, previous research on the effectiveness of a particular treatment for a medical condition may have produced inconsistent findings, indicating a need for further research to determine the true effectiveness of the treatment.

Limited research on emerging technologies:

As new technologies emerge, there may be limited research on their applications, benefits, and potential drawbacks. For example, with the increasing use of artificial intelligence in various industries, there is a need for further research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI.

How to Deal with Literature Gap?

Once you have identified the literature gaps, it is critical to prioritize. You may find many questions which remain to be answered in the literature. Often one question must be answered before the next can be addressed. In prioritizing the gaps, you have identified, you should consider your funding agency or stakeholders, the needs of the field, and the relevance of your questions to what is currently being studied. Also, consider your own resources and ability to conduct the research you’re considering. Once you have done this, you can narrow your search down to an appropriate question.

Tools to Help Your Search

There are thousands of new articles published every day, and staying up to date on the literature can be overwhelming. You should take advantage of the technology that is available. Some services include  PubCrawler ,  Feedly ,  Google Scholar , and PubMed updates. Stay up to date on social media forums where scholars share new discoveries, such as Twitter. Reference managers such as  Mendeley  can help you keep your references well-organized. I personally have had success using Google Scholar and PubMed to stay current on new developments and track which gaps remain in my personal areas of interest.

The most important thing I want to impress upon you today is that you will struggle to  choose a research topic  that is innovative and exciting if you don’t know the existing literature well. This is why identifying research gaps starts with an extensive and thorough  literature review . But give yourself some boundaries.  You don’t need to read every paper that has ever been written on a topic. You may find yourself thinking you’re on the right track and then suddenly coming across a paper that you had intended to write! It happens to everyone- it happens to me quite often. Don’t give up- keep reading and you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Class dismissed!

How do you identify research gaps? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

A research gap can be identified by looking for a topic or area with missing or insufficient information that limits the ability to reach a conclusion for a question.

Identifying a research gap is important as it provides a direction for potentially new research or helps bridge the gap in existing literature.

Gap in research is a topic or area with missing or insufficient information. A research gap limits the ability to reach a conclusion for a question.

Thank u for your suggestion.

Very useful tips specially for a beginner

Thank you. This is helpful. I find that I’m overwhelmed with literatures. As I read on a particular topic, and in a particular direction I find that other conflicting issues, topic a and ideas keep popping up, making me more confused.

I am very grateful for your advice. It’s just on point.

The clearest, exhaustive, and brief explanation I have ever read.

Thanks for sharing

Thank you very much.The work is brief and understandable

Thank you it is very informative

Thanks for sharing this educative article

Thank you for such informative explanation.

Great job smart guy! Really outdid yourself!

Nice one! I thank you for this as it is just what I was looking for!😃🤟

Thank you so much for this. Much appreciated

Thank you so much.

Thankyou for ur briefing…its so helpful

Thank you so much .I’ved learn a lot from this.❤️

Very exciting and useful piece for researchers.

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Research Process

• Brainstorming
• Explore Google This link opens in a new window
• Explore Web Resources
• Explore Background Information
• Explore Books
• Explore Scholarly Articles
• Narrowing a Topic
• Primary and Secondary Resources
• Academic, Popular & Trade Publications
• Scholarly and Peer-Reviewed Journals
• Grey Literature
• Clinical Trials
• Evidence Based Treatment
• Scholarly Research
• Database Research Log
• Search Limits
• Keyword Searching
• Boolean Operators
• Phrase Searching
• Truncation & Wildcard Symbols
• Proximity Searching
• Field Codes
• Subject Terms and Database Thesauri
• Reading a Scientific Article
• Website Evaluation
• Article Keywords and Subject Terms
• Cited References
• Citing Articles
• Related Results
• Search Within Publication
• Database Alerts & RSS Feeds
• Personal Database Accounts
• Persistent URLs
• Literature Gap and Future Research
• Web of Knowledge
• Annual Reviews
• Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
• Finding Seminal Works
• Exhausting the Literature
• Finding Dissertations
• Researching Theoretical Frameworks
• Research Methodology & Design
• Tests and Measurements
• Organizing Research & Citations This link opens in a new window
• Scholarly Publication
• Learn the Library This link opens in a new window

Research Articles

These examples below illustrate how researchers from different disciplines identified gaps in existing literature. For additional examples, try a NavigatorSearch using this search string: ("Literature review") AND (gap*)

• Addressing the Recent Developments and Potential Gaps in the Literature of Corporate Sustainability
• Applications of Psychological Science to Teaching and Learning: Gaps in the Literature
• Attitudes, Risk Factors, and Behaviours of Gambling Among Adolescents and Young People: A Literature Review and Gap Analysis
• Do Psychological Diversity Climate, HRM Practices, and Personality Traits (Big Five) Influence Multicultural Workforce Job Satisfaction and Performance? Current Scenario, Literature Gap, and Future Research Directions
• Entrepreneurship Education: A Systematic Literature Review and Identification of an Existing Gap in the Field
• Evidence and Gaps in the Literature on HIV/STI Prevention Interventions Targeting Migrants in Receiving Countries: A Scoping Review
• Homeless Indigenous Veterans and the Current Gaps in Knowledge: The State of the Literature
• A Literature Review and Gap Analysis of Emerging Technologies and New Trends in Gambling
• A Review of Higher Education Image and Reputation Literature: Knowledge Gaps and a Research Agenda
• Trends and Gaps in Empirical Research on Open Educational Resources (OER): A Systematic Mapping of the Literature from 2015 to 2019
• Where Should We Go From Here? Identified Gaps in the Literature in Psychosocial Interventions for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Anxiety

What is a ‘gap in the literature’?

The gap, also considered the missing piece or pieces in the research literature, is the area that has not yet been explored or is under-explored. This could be a population or sample (size, type, location, etc.), research method, data collection and/or analysis, or other research variables or conditions.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that just because you identify a gap in the research, it doesn't necessarily mean that your research question is worthy of exploration. You will want to make sure that your research will have valuable practical and/or theoretical implications. In other words, answering the research question could either improve existing practice and/or inform professional decision-making (Applied Degree), or it could revise, build upon, or create theoretical frameworks informing research design and practice (Ph.D Degree). See the Dissertation Center  for additional information about dissertation criteria at NU.

For a additional information on gap statements, see the following:

• How to Find a Gap in the Literature
• Write Like a Scientist: Gap Statements

How do you identify the gaps?

Conducting an exhaustive literature review is your first step. As you search for journal articles, you will need to read critically across the breadth of the literature to identify these gaps. You goal should be to find a ‘space’ or opening for contributing new research. The first step is gathering a broad range of research articles on your topic. You may want to look for research that approaches the topic from a variety of methods – qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. 

See the videos below for further instruction on identifying a gap in the literature.

Identifying a Gap in the Literature - Dr. Laurie Bedford

How Do You Identify Gaps in Literature? - SAGE Research Methods

Literature Gap & Future Research - Library Workshop

This workshop presents effective search techniques for identifying a gap in the literature and recommendations for future research.

Where can you locate research gaps?

As you begin to gather the literature, you will want to critically read for what has, and has not, been learned from the research. Use the Discussion and Future Research sections of the articles to understand what the researchers have found and where they point out future or additional research areas. This is similar to identifying a gap in the literature, however, future research statements come from a single study rather than an exhaustive search. You will want to check the literature to see if those research questions have already been answered.

Roadrunner Search

Identifying the gap in the research relies on an exhaustive review of the literature. Remember, researchers may not explicitly state that a gap in the literature exists; you may need to thoroughly review and assess the research to make that determination yourself.

However, there are techniques that you can use when searching in NavigatorSearch to help identify gaps in the literature. You may use search terms such as "literature gap " or "future research" "along with your subject keywords to pinpoint articles that include these types of statements.

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• Last Updated: Jun 12, 2024 1:44 PM
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• Research Process

What is a Research Gap

• 3 minute read
• 288.9K views

Table of Contents

If you are a young researcher, or even still finishing your studies, you’ll probably notice that your academic environment revolves around certain research topics, probably linked to your department or to the interest of your mentor and direct colleagues. For example, if your department is currently doing research in nanotechnology applied to medicine, it is only natural that you feel compelled to follow this line of research. Hopefully, it’s something you feel familiar with and interested in – although you might take your own twists and turns along your career.

Many scientists end up continuing their academic legacy during their professional careers, writing about their own practical experiences in the field and adapting classic methodologies to a present context. However, each and every researcher dreams about being a pioneer in a subject one day, by discovering a topic that hasn’t been approached before by any other scientist. This is a research gap.

Research gaps are particularly useful for the advance of science, in general. Finding a research gap and having the means to develop a complete and sustained study on it can be very rewarding for the scientist (or team of scientists), not to mention how its new findings can positively impact our whole society.

How to Find a Gap in Research

How many times have you felt that you have finally formulated THAT new and exciting question, only to find out later that it had been addressed before? Probably more times than you can count.

There are some steps you can take to help identify research gaps, since it is impossible to go through all the information and research available nowadays:

• Select a topic or question that motivates you: Research can take a long time and surely a large amount of physical, intellectual and emotional effort, therefore choose a topic that can keep you motivated throughout the process.
• Find keywords and related terms to your selected topic: Besides synthesizing the topic to its essential core, this will help you in the next step.
• Use the identified keywords to search literature: From your findings in the above step, identify relevant publications and cited literature in those publications.
• Look for topics or issues that are missing or not addressed within (or related to) your main topic.
• Read systematic reviews: These documents plunge deeply into scholarly literature and identify trends and paradigm shifts in fields of study. Sometimes they reveal areas or topics that need more attention from researchers and scientists.

Keeping track of all the new literature being published every day is an impossible mission. Remember that there is technology to make your daily tasks easier, and reviewing literature can be one of them. Some online databases offer up-to-date publication lists with quite effective search features:

• Elsevier’s Scope
• Google Scholar

Of course, these tools may be more or less effective depending on knowledge fields. There might be even better ones for your specific topic of research; you can learn about them from more experienced colleagues or mentors.

Find out how FINER research framework can help you formulate your research question.

Literature Gap

The expression “literature gap” is used with the same intention as “research gap.” When there is a gap in the research itself, there will also naturally be a gap in the literature. Nevertheless, it is important to stress out the importance of language or text formulations that can help identify a research/literature gap or, on the other hand, making clear that a research gap is being addressed.

When looking for research gaps across publications you may have noticed sentences like:

…has/have not been… (studied/reported/elucidated) …is required/needed… …the key question is/remains… …it is important to address…

These expressions often indicate gaps; issues or topics related to the main question that still hasn’t been subject to a scientific study. Therefore, it is important to take notice of them: who knows if one of these sentences is hiding your way to fame.

Language Editing Services by Elsevier Author Services:

• Manuscript Review

Systematic Review VS Meta-Analysis

Literature Review in Research Writing

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Input your search keywords and press Enter.

• Library databases
• Library website

Library Guide to Capstone Literature Reviews: Find a Research Gap

Find a research gap: tips to get started.

Finding a research gap is not an easy process and there is no one linear path. These tips and suggestions are just examples of possible ways to begin. 

In Ph.D. dissertations, students identify a gap in research. In other programs, students identify a gap in practice. The literature review for a gap in practice will show the context of the problem and the current state of the research. 

Research gap definition

A research gap exists when:

• a question or problem has not been answered by existing studies/research in the field 
• a concept or new idea has not been studied at all
• all the existing literature on a topic is outdated 
• a specific population/location/age group etc has not been studied 

A research gap should be:

• grounded in the literature
• amenable to scientific study
• Litmus Test for a Doctoral-Level Research Problem (Word) This tool helps students determine if they have identified a doctoral level research problem.

Identify a research gap

To find a gap you must become very familiar with a particular field of study. This will involve a lot of research and reading, because a gap is defined by what does (and does not) surround it.

• Search the research literature and dissertations (search all university dissertations, not just Walden!).
• Understand your topic! Review background information in books and encyclopedias . 
• Look for literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
• Take notes on concepts, themes, and subject terms . 
• Look closely at each article's limitations, conclusions, and recommendations for future research. 
• Organize, analyze, and repeat! 

• Quick Answer: How do I find dissertations on a topic?

Start with broad searches

Use the Library Search (formerly Thoreau)  to do a broad search with just one concept at a time . Broad searches give you an idea of the academic conversation surrounding your topic.

• Try the terms you know (keywords) first.
• Look at the Subject Terms (controlled language) to brainstorm terms. 
• Subject terms help you understand what terms are most used, and what other terms to try.
• No matter what your topic is, not every researcher will be using the same terms. Keep an eye open for additional ways to describe your topic.
• Guide: Subject Terms & Index Searches: Index Overview

Keep a list of terms

• Create a list of terms
• Example list of terms

This list will be a record of what terms are: 

• related to or represent your topic
• synonyms or antonyms
• more or less commonly used
• keywords (natural language) or subject terms (controlled language)
• Synonyms & antonyms (database search skills)
• Turn keywords into subject terms

Term I started with:

culturally aware 

Subject terms I discovered:

cultural awareness (SU) 

cultural sensitivity (SU) 

cultural competence (SU) 

Search with different combinations of terms

• Combine search terms list
• Combine search terms table
• Video: Search by Themes

Since a research gap is defined by the absence of research on a topic, you will search for articles on everything that relates to your topic. 

• List out all the themes related to your gap.
• Search different combinations of the themes as you discover them 

For example, suppose your research gap is on the work-life balance of tenured and tenure-track women in engineering professions. In that case, you might try searching different combinations of concepts, such as: 

• women and STEM 
• STEM or science or technology or engineering or mathematics
• female engineering professors 
• tenure-track women in STEM
• work-life balance and women in STEM
• work-life balance and women professors
• work-life balance and tenure 

Topic adapted from one of the award winning Walden dissertations. 

• Walden University Award Winning Dissertations
• Gossage, Lily Giang-Tien, "Work-Life Balance of Tenured and Tenure-Track Women Engineering Professors" (2019). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 6435.

Break your topic into themes and try combining the terms from different themes in different ways. For example: 

Theme 1 and Theme 4

Theme 2 and Theme 1

Theme 3 and Theme 4

Video: Search by Themes (YouTube)

(2 min 40 sec) Recorded April 2014 Transcript

Track where more research is needed

Most research articles will identify where more research is needed. To identify research trends, use the literature review matrix to track where further research is needed. 

• Download or create your own Literature Review Matrix (examples in links below).
• Do some general database searches on broad topics.
• Find an article that looks interesting.
• When you read the article, pay attention to the conclusions and limitations sections.
• Use the Literature Review Matrix to track where  'more research is needed' or 'further research needed'. NOTE:  you might need to add a column to the template.
• As you fill in the matrix you should see trends where more research is needed.

There is no consistent section in research articles where the authors identify where more research is needed. Pay attention to these sections: 

• limitations
• conclusions
• recommendations for future research 
• Literature Review Matrix Templates: learn how to keep a record of what you have read
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Steps for identifying research gaps in the literature

Your Master's thesis should make a significant, novel contribution to the field. Your thesis hypothesis should address a  research gap which you identify in the literature, a research question or problem that has not been answered in your research area of interest. This shows that you have developed expertise in the body of knowledge and theoretical issues in your chosen research area. 

Step 1: Focus Your Research Area

Before you start trying to identify gaps in the literature, you need to figure out what your area of interest is, and then focus and narrow that research area. If you don't narrow down your initial research area of interest, you'll end up wanting to research everything. You'll overwhelm yourself with all the research gaps you find because there are still a lot of unanswered research questions out there. 

• Do some exploratory research  on your broad research idea in your course textbook, class notes, in meta-analysis, systematic, and literature reviews, and  PsycINFO  to identify more specific issues and arguments in your research area and possible relationships between them.
• Read ebooks  to get the "big picture" about the research area you're interested in studying. Books and ebooks provide detailed information on your research area, put your research area in context, provide summaries of research, and help you identify major themes and relationships for your study.
• Ask your advisors and other faculty  about possible topics or issues within your research area of interest. That being said, you're going to spend over a year immersed in work on your thesis, so make sure you  choose issues because you find them deeply interesting , not just because your advisor recommended them.

Step 2: Read, Read, and then Read Some More

Read (a lot of) research articles : this is going to be time-demanding, but you really do need to read through a lot of research articles in your research area to become an expert in it. That being said, what you use from the articles that you read should relate directly back to your focused research questions and hypothesis. Don't waste your time getting sidetracked by issues that don't relate to your research questions and hypothesis.

• Go to  Start Finding Sources ,  Search Databases , and  Browse Journals  to find journal articles for your research area
• Pay close attention to Introductions , in which authors explain why their research is important, and Suggestions for Future Research , in which authors point readers to areas which lack investigation or need future examination

Follow the research trails  of seminal articles and authors using Web of Science and Scopus:

• In Scopus , click on Document Search , enter the article title, click on the article title in the list of search hits, then click on View all ~ citing documents link in the right sidebar for a list of articles that have cited this article
• In Web of Science , enter the article title and choose Title from the right drop down menu , then click on the Times Cited number next to the article to see a list of articles that have cited this article
• In Scopus , click on Author Search , enter the last name and first initial(s) of the author, click on the author's name in the list of search hits, then click on Cited By ~ documents for a list of articles that have cited this author
• In Web of Science , enter the author name and choose Author from the right drop down menu , then click on the Times Cited number next to each article to see a list of articles that have cited this author's article

Read meta-analyses, literature reviews,  and  systematic reviews : these papers delve deep into the literature, examining the trends and changes over a long period of time in your research area and summaries of previous research findings.

• In PsycINFO , click on literature review, systematic review, and  meta analysis  under the Methodologies heading in the sidebar to the right of the list of search hits 
• In CINAHL , add systematic reviews to your search 
• In Web Of Science , check the box beside Review under the Document Type heading in the sidebar to the right of the list of search hits

Step 3: Map out the Literature :

Keep track of what the authors told you and the questions that occur to you whenever you read anything - an article, a book, a book chapter, a dissertation, etc. This will also help you write your thesis introduction later on and help you avoid  unconscious plagiarism .Some more tips:

• Use mind maps, tables, charts, pictures, post-it notes to map out the literature, whatever works for you. 
• Research each of your questions to see if there are people out there who had the same questions and found answers to them
• Science Direct , Web of Science , and Wiley Online Library databases help you follow the research trail by listing articles that have since cited the research article you're reading

If you find don't find any answers to one of your questions, you've probably found a research gap from which you can develop a thesis hypothesis and experimental project. Get feedback from your advisors before you get too carried away, though!

• Get started by considering your central thesis question 
• How do the sources you've found connect to that question and help you answer it?
• How do the sources connect to and build off of one another?
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How to identify research gaps and include them in your thesis?

A thesis is an investigation that adheres to the principles of academic writing . It is critically evaluated on its reliability and significance for the industry (Chandra, 2017). The thesis research provides new insights into academia by reviewing existing research.

In this process, it is essential to identify the research gap. Research gaps are the centre of any research, determining the areas which lack crucial information.

Research gaps also help to frame:

The purpose of identifying research gaps in a thesis

A research gap is a problem that has not been addressed or answered in previous studies in the form of books, journal articles or reports. For instance, presently, there is a lack of research on the long-term effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. This can be a research gap in many studies such as social sciences, biotechnology, and medicine. Such problems need citation analysis and systematic review (Tsoulfas, 2021). To formulate an information-driven thesis, it is important to recognize the area or the topic that is unexplored or has insufficient information. Often research gaps in a thesis are confused with research questions and problem statements. However, there are fundamental differences in these concepts. The sole purpose of a research gap is to summarise problems with outdated or primitive studies. It is a part of the thesis introduction chapter and can range from 200 to 1000 words in length.

How to devote a section for research gaps in a thesis?

The first step in preparing the research gaps section is to outline the general state of knowledge and research in the field of study. This step helps in building the outline for the aspects that could be relevant to the research field.

The second step involves a thorough reading of earlier research and publication on the topic. For this, the researcher can refer to journal articles, library books, or reports. This step also involves consulting your supervisor.

Further, as per the reviewed articles, a viewpoint about the given topic must be framed by listing all relevant information.

Lastly, the need or significance of addressing the listed gaps should be presented.

Start the research gaps in a thesis with a summary of existing research findings. It does not need a detailed elaboration of the situation. For instance, statistics can be skipped. Similarly, you do not need to explain concepts or theories in this section. Next, state the limitations or lacuna in the area of research. This section needs more elaboration like who, what, when, where, why and how should be discussed. Each gap must be stated separately. For instance, consider these 3 gaps:

• there is a lack of research in your country’s context,
• there is a lack of empirical evidence and,
• there is a lack of consensus,

each should be explained separately. It should be structured in the form of citations wherever necessary. The writing pattern should move from generic to specific thus targeting the research problem for the thesis.

Points to avoid

• Too much description and analysis of the previously done studies must be avoided to keep the thesis research gap indicative and emblematic.
• Avoid giving too much statistical information.
• Avoid not reading enough. Identifying a research gap needs thorough reading, not skimping through facts.
• Avoid failing to accurately identify the need for further study and the lack of a persuasive framework for the identification of the research gap.
• Avoid not using enough citations for supporting the identified lacuna.
• Avoid not stating the significance of the identified gaps.

An example of research gaps in a thesis

Case topic: Impact of transformative heritage destinations on changing personal values of tourists

Travel behaviour today has shifted from global consumerism to a more meaningful and personalized experience. This has amplified the demand for heritage tourism, i.e. the movement of a person to places of cultural attraction away from their normal residential place to gain new experiences and information for satisfying cultural needs (G Richards, 2003; Rosenfeld, 2008). Tourists are also seeking transformative travel experiences which lead to positive changes in their values and attitudes. PineII & Gilmore (1999) have identified that heritage tourism is responding towards fulfilling the transformation needs of tourists. However, the lack of empirical evidence on the contribution of transformative heritage tourism in changing the personal values of tourists is restricting the formulation of strategies that can boost its growth.

Moreover, researchers have determined that authenticity, awareness, nostalgia, and satisfaction have a relationship with transformative effects and heritage tourism. Therefore, these factors may be interlinked. But despite this, not many academic studies have focused on addressing these tourist factors’ impact on the linkage between heritage tourism and transformative effect. This is another critical research gap.

• Chandra. (2017). How to Write a Thesis : A Working Guide . Retrieved from https://www.student.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1919239/How-to-write-a-thesis-A-working-guide.pdf
• Oulu. (2012). GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A THESIS . Retrieved from https://www.oulu.fi/sites/default/files/content/Guidelines.pdf
• Pubrica. (2021). Framework for the Identirication Of the Research Gap. Retrieved September 30, 2021, from Pubrica website: http://pubrica.com/academy/uncategorized/a-framework-for-the-identification-of-the-research-gap/
• Tsoulfas, G. (2021). The Importance of Research. Journal of the American College of Surgeons , 232 (5), 680–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.02.003
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Her foundational educational is from St. Xaviers High School (Mumbai). She also holds MBA degree in Marketing and Finance from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, Delhi (2008).

Some of the notable projects she has worked on include:

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She currently holds over 300 citations  from her contributions to the platform.

She has also been a guest speaker at various institutes such as JIMS (Delhi), BPIT (Delhi), and SVU (Tirupati).

I am a master's in Economics from Amity University. Having a keen interest in Econometrics and data analysis, I was a part of the Innovation Project of Daulat Ram College, Delhi University. My core expertise and interest are in environment-related issues. Apart from academics, I love music and exploring new places.

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What is a Gap Analysis: How to Use it to Solve Problems

Written by: Unenabasi Ekeruke

Every business wants to expand its operations and thrive in the market. But what happens when you have everything well laid out and yet fall short of expectations? This huge difference between the desired and real outcomes is why you should prioritize gap analysis.

Gap analysis is a technique used to determine the difference between where an organization currently is and wants to be. It's crucial at any stage throughout the life cycle of a business , but it’s more important when starting or looking at new growth models.

If you’re ready to create a gap analysis, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about gap analysis, including the gap analysis methods for solving problems.

Table of Contents

What is a gap analysis, why is a gap analysis in business important, when to use a gap analysis, how to conduct a gap analysis.

• 6 Types of Gap Analysis

Top 6 Gap Analysis Methods

Next steps after gap analysis.

A gap analysis in business is a tool that allows you to get a clear picture of what is working and what isn’t. You can use it in business and project management to

• Pinpoint and prioritize areas for improvement
• Identify gaps in performance, knowledge, processes, or other areas

This will help you focus on those areas, leading to better results for your business.

What is a Fit Gap Analysis

A fit-gap analysis focuses on aligning a business process or system with an organization's goals and objectives. It is often used when implementing a new system or process.

During a fit-gap analysis, you’ll compare the current state of your business with the desired state (the "fit") and identify any inconsistencies between the two (the "gap").

Solving these gaps can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the business processes, ultimately leading to better organizational performance.

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A well-conducted gap analysis helps you see the big picture by providing insights into your business's different areas. This process can help you establish what steps need to be taken to reach their goals and objectives.

Here is a look at the benefits in detail

1. Allows to Prioritize Areas of Improvement

One key benefit of gap analysis is that it enables you to recognize and prioritize areas for improvement. By understanding where you’re currently falling short, you can focus more effort and resources on the areas with the greatest impact.

These may include improving the onboarding processes and training employees. For example, if your training processes fall below expectations, Visme has everything you need to increase the impact of your training.

The tool offers various training material templates and other features to help create engaging training materials that deliver maximum results. Start creating interactive learning experiences using the template below.

2. Shields Businesses from Potential Pitfalls

Another important benefit of gap analysis is that it can help businesses avoid potential pitfalls and obstacles. You can develop strategies and solutions to overcome them before they become major roadblocks.

3. Gives Businesses Competitive Advantage

Gap analysis can also help businesses to stay competitive in an ever-changing market. Through regular gap analysis, you can ensure that you’re always working towards your business goals and staying ahead of your competitors.

Competitor analysis is an excellent example of performing gap analysis. Essentially you’re analyzing the gap between you and your competitors.

By analyzing your current and potential competitors, you can see where you fall short, improve on them and position your business for success.

When to use gap analysis depends on the situation and the organization's needs. You can use it in various situations, such as when starting a new project, implementing a new system or process, or trying to improve performance in a specific area.

Here are the key situations where gap analysis can be an effective tool for your business.

1. When Planning a Major Transition

One common use for gap analysis is when you’re planning a major change or transition. This could include a merger or acquisition, a shift in business strategy , or the implementation of a new system or process.

In these cases, gap analysis can help you identify potential challenges and things you must address to implement the change successfully.

2. Performance Improvement

Another situation in which gap analysis can be useful is when you want to improve performance. By comparing the organization's current state to industry benchmarks or best practices, gap analysis can help you identify areas where you’re falling short and need improvements.

3. Support Decision Making

You can also rely on gap analysis to support decision-making. For example, if you’re considering expanding into a new market, a gap analysis will help you identify potential gaps in your company’s overall capabilities or resources. This will pave the way for addressing these gaps before implementing further steps.

Let's run through the different steps involved in conducting a gap analysis.

Gather Your Team

Gathering the right team is an important step in conducting a gap analysis. It's important to bring together individuals with a deep understanding of the company's processes and operations and those with a broad perspective on its goals and objectives.

This could include representatives from different departments or functional areas and key stakeholders, such as executives and managers.

Organize brainstorming sessions by having these representatives participate. This allows for the consideration of all perspectives for a more comprehensive gap analysis.

Visme's whiteboard tool can be useful for conducting a gap analysis, as it allows team members to collaborate and visually brainstorm ideas. The tool provides a virtual whiteboard where team members can add notes, images and other visual elements to help communicate their ideas.

Visme also offers a broad range of templates specifically designed for structuring brainstorming processes and ensuring that all key areas are covered.

In addition to the whiteboard tool, Visme’s collaboration features make asynchronous and real-time collaboration super effective. You can invite team members, tag them, assign tasks, leave comments, and resolve comments.

Here's a whiteboard template to help you get started.

Identify Goals and Objectives

The next step is to identify the organization's goals and objectives. These goals and objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, known as SMART goals. This ensures that the goals are clearly defined and can be realistically achieved within a certain time frame.

To set SMART goals , it is important to consider what the organization wants to achieve and why. For example, a goal of increasing sales by 20% in the next year is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

However, the goal of becoming the best company in the industry may not be as specific and lack a time frame. It is also important to involve all relevant stakeholders in setting goals and objectives. Including a diverse range of perspectives will ensure the goals and objectives are aligned with the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.

Identify Key Metrics to Look At

Once the organization's goals and objectives have been identified, the next step in the gap analysis is to identify key metrics. This involves assessing the organization's current state and pointing out any gaps.

These metrics may include financial performance, customer satisfaction, employee retention, and operational efficiency. You can gain insights into these metrics by analyzing data and trends, conducting surveys and gathering feedback from stakeholders.

Measure The Existing Gaps

To measure existing gaps in gap analysis, follow these steps:

• Find out the desired outcome or goal. This could be a specific target, a set of performance metrics, or the desired level of customer satisfaction.
• Collect data on the current state of the organization or process. It may include metrics such as efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Compare the two states and document the findings. You can then present these findings to the relevant stakeholders through a report or visual representation of the gaps and root causes.

Remember to consider both quantitative and qualitative data when measuring existing gaps. It provides a more comprehensive understanding of the current state and helps identify potential solutions to close the gaps.

Create A Plan to Address the Gaps

The next step is to create a plan to bridge the gap between the current and desired states. Addressing these gaps may involve implementing new processes, training employees, or investing in new technology.

Set Benchmarks and Timelines for Addressing Gaps

Ensure the plan is specific and actionable and includes timelines and benchmarks for measuring progress. Create captivating timelines in minutes using Visme’s timeline maker . You’ll find templates for different use cases, including project management, product development, business, marketing and more.

Types of Gap Analysis

Now let's run through the different types of gap analysis and how you can apply them in a project or business setting.

1. Strategic Gap Analysis

This gap analysis helps in identifying strategic planning and decision-making gaps. It involves comparing the organization's current state against its desired future state and identifying the steps needed to close the gap and achieve its goals.

2. Financial/Profit Gap Analysis

This gap analysis focuses on the organization's financial performance and compares its current performance against its desired financial goals. A financial gap analysis will help you identify areas to improve financial performance and increase profitability.

3. Skill Gap Analysis

This type of gap analysis focuses on the skills and competencies of the organization's workforce. Through the skills gap analysis, you focus on comparing employees' current skills and competencies against the skills and competencies required to achieve the organization's goals.

You can rely on skill gap analysis to identify gaps in the workforce and develop training and development programs to bridge those gaps. Visme has all the tools you need to make this possible. The tools also give you an array of options for feedback.

Watch the video below to learn how you can use our flowchart maker to create mind maps, concept maps, SWOT analysis and more.

4. Compliance Gap Analysis

This gap analysis ensures that the organization complies with relevant laws, regulations and standards. It involves comparing the organization's current state of compliance against the requirements of these laws, regulations and standards.

5. Product Development Gap Analysis

This gap analysis focuses on comparing the current and desired product development processes. Product development gap analysis will help you identify gaps and areas for improvement in the product development process and develop strategies to bridge those gaps and improve your products.

6. Market Gap Analysis

This type of gap analysis focuses on the organization's market position and involves comparing its current market position against its desired market position. The outcome is handy in developing strategies to bridge those gaps and improve the current market position.

There are different methods for conducting gap analysis. These methods are key to earmarking key areas for improvement, prioritizing actions and creating a plan to achieve goals.

Here’s a basic overview of each framework and the right Visme template to use.

SWOT Analysis

When it comes to gap analysis, SWOT analysis is one of the most popular methods. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, and it's a great way to identify the gaps in your business.

First, you'll need to examine your strengths and weaknesses. What are your company's weaknesses? What can you do better? Next, look at your opportunities and threats. What are the threats posed to your business and what opportunities can you capitalize on?

Once you have a good understanding of these four factors, you’ll be in a position to identify the gaps. Use this information to make strategic decisions and improve your business operations.

With Visme’s predesigned whiteboard template, you can effectively conduct a thorough SWOT analysis. You’ll find cool features and tools to help you collaborate easily with your team from start to finish.

Seamlessly review your business' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats with this template created by professionals to help you solve your business goals.

The McKinsey 7-S Framework

The McKinsey 7-S Framework is one of the most popular gap analysis methods. It's often used in business and management, but you can apply it to any project.

The framework allows you to identify seven factors that need to be aligned for a company to succeed. These include strategy, structure, systems, shared values, style, staff and skills.

Let's take a look at each one.

• Strategy is the long-term plan for achieving objectives
• Structure is how the organization is organized and how work is divided
• Systems are the processes that are in place to support the organization's activities
• Shared values are the beliefs and principles that guide decision-making
• Style is the way that the company communicates with its employees and customers
• Staff are the employees who carry out the company's strategy
• Skills are employees' abilities and knowledge to do their jobs effectively.

The McKinsey 7-S model is applicable in many situations, such as understanding how various parts of an organization collaborate to make decisions on future corporate strategy.

Jumpstart your gap analysis method using our fully customized infographic template.

Feel free to customize the template, add interactive elements and keep your content on brand using our AI-powered Brand Design Tool .

Fishbone Diagrams

Fishbone diagrams are all about creating a cause-and-effect relationship. When creating a fishbone diagram , start by brainstorming all the potential causes for the problem you're trying to solve.

Next, get creative and think of the potential causes for each effect. Once you have a good list, start sorting them into categories (such as environmental, political, economic, social, etc.) and then drill down further into specific causes.

You can include easy and intuitive data widgets to visualize all kinds of data you need. Visme’s data visualization tools are all you need to easily translate statistics and figures into beautiful and meaningful visuals.

The great thing about fishbone diagrams is that they help you identify the potential causes of big and small problems. This can be helpful when it comes time to develop a solution.

Uncover problems within your tasks, systems or process using this technical problem fishbone diagram template.

PEST Analysis - Political, Economic, Social and Technological Factors

PEST analysis is a framework most businesses use to track and monitor the Political, Economic, Social and Technological (PEST) factors that may impact their business.

The PEST factors are:

• Political: Government regulation, taxes, trade restrictions, etc.
• Economic: Interest rates, inflation, economic growth, etc.
• Social: Demographics, culture, education levels, etc.
• Technological: Technology trends, research and development, etc.

You can use PEST analysis to track and monitor these external factors and plan for any potential impacts. For example, if the government Introduces a new law that will impact how your business operates, you can use PEST analysis to plan how you will adapt your business to comply with the new law.

Not sure how to conduct your PESTEL analysis. This PESTEL analysis whiteboard template has everything you need. All you need to do is input your own text, switch color, add other interactive elements and your analysis is ready for use.

Nadler-Tushman Model of Congruence

If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of how different parts of your organization interact, the Nadler-Tushman model of congruence is a great tool.

The model looks at how different elements of an organization work together and how changes in one element can impact the others. For example, if you're looking at a change in strategy, you need to consider how that will impact your structure, systems, staff and so on.

To use the model, start by mapping out the different elements of your organization. Then you look at how they interact and identify areas of potential conflict. From there, you can think about how to make changes that will improve the overall functioning of your organization.

It's a complex process, but it can give you many insights into how your organization works and how you can improve it.

Made with Visme Infographic Maker

Don't worry about the details! When you sign up on Visme , you'll have access to our library of templates that will walk you through the process step by step.

Mind mapping involves using visual diagrams for gap analysis . It's a way of brainstorming by creating a diagram with your thoughts.

To create a mind map , you start in the middle of a piece of paper and write down your main idea. Draw branches off that main idea and write down related thoughts. You can keep going until you have a comprehensive diagram of your thoughts.

Once you have your mind map, you can start to see where the gaps are in your business. There may be a product or service that you're not offering that your customers want. Or there's a process you're not following that's causing problems.

Mind mapping is a great way to get your thoughts down on paper so you can start seeing the bigger picture. And once you see the gaps, you can start to fill them.

We’ve got a rich library of mind map templates to inspire you to create yours. Uncover gaps in your product, system or process using the mind map template below.

Once you complete a gap analysis, the job doesn’t end there. The next steps should focus on closing the identified gaps and achieving the desired state.

Let’s show you how you can do that.

Prioritize Identified Gaps

After conducting a gap analysis, the first step is to prioritize the identified gaps. This means looking at each gap and determining the most important ones to address. Prioritizing the gaps will help you focus efforts and resources on the areas with the greatest impact.

Capture the findings of your gap analysis using this beautiful report template. It features a beautiful collection of fonts, photos and creative content blocks — everything that’ll help you bring your content to life.

Develop a Plan

After prioritizing the gaps, the next step is to develop a plan to address them. This plan should include specific actions you'll take to close the gaps and the timelines for action . The plan should also include the resources needed to implement the actions, such as additional staff, training, or funding.

Take advantage of our wide range of templates to document and share your plan.

Implement the Actions

The next step after developing a plan is to implement the actions outlined in the plan. This may involve changing the organization's processes, procedures, or systems. It may also involve providing additional training or support to employees.

Monitor the progress of the actions and make any necessary adjustments to close the identified gaps successfully.

Review and Iterate

Finally, it is important to regularly review and assess the gap analysis results and the actions taken to address the gaps. This will enable you to determine whether the desired state has been achieved and identify any new gaps that may have arisen. Regular review and assessment will also help you continually improve and stay ahead of competitors.

Create a Dynamic Gap Analysis with Visme

Are you looking to improve your business' or organization's performance and identify areas for growth? We’ve covered everything you need to know in this article.

The best part? Visme's powerful gap analysis templates put you one step ahead. You can collaborate with your team and create a dynamic and comprehensive analysis of your current and target states. By highlighting the gaps and opportunities for improvement, you can achieve your goals and drive success.

Don’t be left behind on this great opportunity to take your business to the next level— start creating a dynamic gap analysis with Visme today!

Easily conduct effective gap analysis with Visme

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About the Author

Unenabasi is a content expert with many years of experience in digital marketing, business development, and strategy. He loves to help brands tell stories that drive engagement, growth, and competitive advantage. He’s adept at creating compelling content on lifestyle, marketing, business, e-commerce, and technology. When he’s not taking the content world by storm, Unenabasi enjoys playing or watching soccer.

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How to Perform a Gap Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Praburam Srinivasan

Growth Marketing Manager

June 20, 2024

You’re leading a company on an upward trajectory. Sales are surging, and the future looks bright. But how do you ensure your current performance aligns with future business goals? 

You perform a thorough checkup—a gap analysis.

A gap analysis systematically compares the actual (current) performance and expected results. It’s a powerful tool to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. 

By analyzing shortcomings in the present, your company can gain valuable insights into areas needing improvement and develop actionable plans to achieve future goals.

A gap analysis helps you stay competitive by

• Identifying weaknesses and opportunities: It reveals areas where a company might be falling short or where untapped potential lies
• Facilitating strategic planning: By understanding the gap, you can develop realistic and achievable goals that bridge the divide
• Optimizing resource allocation: Resources can be strategically directed towards closing gaps and maximizing returns
• Minimizing risk: You can preempt issues and develop risk mitigation strategies
• Improving performance: By closing the gap, your business can enhance operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall performance

Step 1: Identify your current state

Step 2: define your future state, step 3: identify the gaps, step 4: evaluate solutions, step 5: implement change, step 6: monitor changes, skill gap analysis, market gap analysis , product development gap analysis, swot analysis , pest analysis , mckinsey 7s framework, fishbone diagram (ishikawa diagram), clickup gap analysis template, benefits of gap analysis, challenges of gap analysis, real-life use cases and examples of gap analysis, gap analysis risks and mitigation, fine-tune the present for the future with gap analysis.

The Gap Analysis Process

Gap analysis follows a structured approach where you need to

• Identify your current state
• Define your future state
• Identify the gaps between the current and future states
• Evaluate potential solutions to bridge the gaps
• Implement change management strategies
• Monitor the progress of implemented solutions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

This stage involves a thorough assessment of your current state. Here are two key steps:

• Data analysis: Gather and analyze data relevant to the gap you’re addressing. This could include financial records, customer feedback, sales KPIs , employee performance metrics, or industry benchmarks
• Qualitative research: Conduct interviews or surveys with relevant stakeholders like employees and customers to gain deeper insights into processes, experiences, and challenges

This stage defines the organization-level goals and objectives that you’ve set. Here’s how to achieve this:

• Forecasting: Use forecasting techniques to picture your ideal future performance. This could involve projecting sales figures, market share, or employee skill sets
• Goal setting: Develop SMART goals —goals that are smart, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—that represent your desired future state
• Strategic planning: Align your future state with your overall business strategy. Consider factors like market trends, competitor activity, and technological advancements

Once you have a clear picture of the current and future states, analyze the difference to reveal gaps that need addressing.

Here’s how you can proceed:

• Compare the current state analysis with the defined future state
• Analyze the differences to identify specific areas where the current performance falls short of the desired outcomes
• Quantify the gaps. For instance, the skills gap might be the difference between the current skill sets of employees and the skills needed to achieve those future goals

Brainstorm potential solutions to bridge identified gaps. Consider

• Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate the financial feasibility of each solution
• Impact potential: Assess the effectiveness of each solution in closing the gap
• Viability: Consider the feasibility of implementing each solution in terms of resources and timeframes

Once you’ve chosen the optimal solutions, develop a change management action plan to address

• Communication strategies: Clearly explain the changes to everyone involved to get their support
• Resource allocation: Allocate necessary resources to implement the chosen solutions
• Training and development: Provide training and development opportunities to equip your team with the skills required to implement the changes

It’s crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the implemented solutions. This involves

• Self-monitoring: Track progress towards goals and adjust strategies as needed
• Analysis: Regularly analyze data and feedback to assess the impact of implemented solutions
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Use relevant KPIs to measure progress and identify areas for further improvement

Types of Gap Analysis

Gap analyses focus on specific aspects of a business. For example, a value chain analysis demands a detailed assessment of all the product or service lifecycle processes. 

However, a requirements analysis would include identifying stakeholders, assessing their requirements, prioritizing them, and managing change throughout the development lifecycle. 

Here are some common gap analysis examples.

This analysis assesses the mismatch between a company’s current skills and those required to achieve its goals. Identifying skill gaps allows targeted training and development programs to bridge the gap.

For example, in a skill gap analysis, a digital marketing agency identified that it lacked the expertise of social media video editing to expand its services. By assessing current skills and the market need, they could train their team or hire a freelancer to bridge the gap.

This analysis examines the difference between customer needs and a company’s existing products or services. Identifying market gaps can lead to developing new products or modifying existing offerings to better cater to customer demands.

Here’s an example:

A hypothetical healthy meal prep company could recognize a gap in the market and decide to capitalize on the growing demand for athlete-specific meal plans. 

While their competitors focus on general healthy options for everyone, this company identifies an opportunity to create a new product line targeting athletes. 

This new line would provide pre-portioned meals designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of different athletes. The meals would likely consider sports, training intensity, and dietary preferences.

This analysis compares current product features, competitor offerings, and customer needs to identify areas of improvement or new products.

For instance, user feedback for a software firm revealed a need for a mobile app and improved software performance. The company could allocate resources to create a solution and enhance its product by identifying these user pain points.

Gap analysis can also support your product marketing initiatives by uncovering unmet customer needs you can fill with your product.

Gap Analysis Tools and Frameworks

Several tools, needs assessment templates , and frameworks can be used to facilitate gap analysis. Here are a few popular options:

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis—and its close cousin, SOAR analysis —are a strategic planning framework that can be used to identify gaps. 

By analyzing your strengths and weaknesses internally and the opportunities and threats posed by the external environment, you can identify areas where your current state doesn’t match your desired future state.

PEST stands for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological. It refers to analyzing internal and external factors such as government policies, economic trends, social changes, and technological advancements and their potential impact on an organization, product, or service. 

Here are a few examples of how analyzing the above factors can reveal gaps:

• Economic shifts could highlight a need to adjust pricing or marketing
• A growing health fad could increase demand for your healthcare product offerings, and you may need to increase production and reposition your brand image
• Technological advancements could expose limitations in your capabilities

The McKinsey 7S framework is a business model that analyzes seven interrelated elements crucial to an organization’s success: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Skills, Style, and Staff. 

By examining how these elements interact, you can proactively address inconsistencies limiting your potential for adaptation and growth in a dynamic business world. 

It helps analyze and improve your organizational structure, skill sets, and overall operational effectiveness.

The Fishbone Diagram, also known as the Ishikawa Diagram, is a cause-and-effect analysis tool for identifying the root causes of performance gaps. 

It visually depicts a problem (the effect) and explores the various factors (the causes) that contribute to it. This helps companies identify areas where they need to focus their gap-closing efforts.

The ClickUp Gap Analysis template streamlines the gap analysis process by offering a visual workspace to map the different stages and steps. 

Track progress and categorize information for clear analysis with customizable statuses and fields. Different views, such as Lists and Gantt charts, further aid in prioritizing and planning actions to close the identified gaps.

Gap analysis templates such as this one allow you the flexibility to collaborate and pinpoint improvement opportunities effectively. 

You can break down the identified gaps into actionable tasks,  assign owners, set deadlines, and use ClickUp’s dependencies to ensure a smooth workflow.

The template’s reporting and progress-tracking features also help you monitor the effectiveness of your actions. You can adjust your approach as needed.

Benefits and Challenges of Gap Analysis

Now that we understand the core concepts of gap analysis let’s delve into its pros and cons.

Benchmark against competitors : Benchmark your company’s performance against the competition, identifying shortcomings and opportunities for competitive advantage. This can be a powerful tool for staying ahead of the curve in a competitive market. You can further refine the process and save time by using custom industry analysis templates .

Enhances communication and collaboration : Conducting gap analysis requires cross-departmental cooperation. This fosters better communication and understanding of shared goals. Different departments can become more aligned and effective by working together to identify and close gaps.

Enhances employee retention : Addressing skill gaps and optimizing work processes can create a more engaged and satisfied workforce. For example, employees using the latest marketing tools (skill gap addressed) through streamlined social media campaigns (optimized process) feel empowered and see results.

Promotes continuous improvement : Gap analysis is not a one-time exercise. Regularly revisiting gaps helps you stay on track with your strategic goals and identify new areas for improvement as the business landscape evolves. Analyzing and addressing gaps also ensures ongoing improvement in areas like resource allocation, decision-making, communication, and risk mitigation.

Compromised or inadequate data availability and quality produce inaccurate results : Gap analysis can be powerful, but gathering the correct data is crucial. Self-reported metrics or basic surveys might miss the mark in areas like employee skills or customer satisfaction. Relying solely on surface-level data can also lead to misidentifying the root causes of the gaps. 

Without a deeper understanding of the complexities behind the numbers, crafting effective solutions becomes difficult, potentially throwing resources at symptoms rather than the underlying disease.

The impact on employee morale could be negative : In a skills gap analysis, highlighting gaps between employee skill sets and job requirements can discourage employees. For example, if the analysis focuses on shortcomings and lacks a clear path forward. It’s crucial to frame the performance gap analysis as an opportunity for growth and development instead of comparison and competition.

Exceptional change management is necessary : When implementing solutions, you might encounter resistance from project managers and employees accustomed to existing processes. In other words, people used to doing things a certain way might push back on new approaches.

Resource intensiveness : Conducting a thorough gap analysis can be time-consuming and require much effort from your team. This can take time and distract resources from other vital tasks.

Cost considerations : Depending on the complexity of the gap analysis and the tools required, there may be associated costs.

For example, hiring a consultant to conduct a complex skills gap analysis using advanced assessments can be expensive, potentially delaying or limiting the scope of the analysis due to budget constraints.

Here are some more examples of how gap analysis is used across other business processes and scenarios:

New product development: A company might conduct a gap analysis to compare its current product offerings to competitors’ products and identify opportunities for new product development.

• Innovation : Organizations might use the gap analysis report to assess current innovation capabilities against industry leaders and identify areas for improvement in their innovation processes

• Risk assessment : A gap analysis helps identify potential risks and their impact on achieving goals, allowing for the development of risk mitigation strategies
• Pricing strategies : Companies might use gap analysis to compare their current pricing structure against competitors’ pricing and customers’ willingness to pay. The findings can help identify opportunities for price optimization or the development of new pricing models
• Human resources : Organizations might conduct a skills gap analysis to identify the difference between current employee skill sets and those required for future goals. This allows targeted training programs to bridge the gap and ensure a future-ready workforce
• Marketing and sales : Marketing and sales teams often use gap analysis to compare customer acquisition costs and lead generation rates with desired targets. Such a roadmap helps identify areas for improvement in lead generation strategies and campaign effectiveness

Here are a few strategies to mitigate the common risks associated with the gap analysis process:

By embracing continuous improvement through the gap analysis model, you can sidestep challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

But remember, the gap analysis process must be planned to perfection. 

From its inception to the smallest performance-focused calibrations over time, gap analysis must be methodical and streamlined—doable when you have an invaluable tool like ClickUp.

What’s more, ClickUp Gap Analysis helps you:

• Uncover the gap between current performance and desired goals
• Clearly understand the story behind the gap through visual representation
• Identify areas for improvement and provide a plan for closing the gap
• Track progress and measure success against goals 

Are you eager to find out if gaps exist or just want to know how to close them for good?  Get started on ClickUp today.

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Proteomic profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid uncovers protein clusters linked to survival in idiopathic forms of interstitial lung disease

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• ORCID record for Michaella J. Rekowski
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Background Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF), present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their heterogeneous nature. This study aimed to identify intrinsic molecular signatures within the lung microenvironment of these IIPs through proteomic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

Methods Patients with IIP (n=23) underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation including pre-treatment bronchoscopy and were compared to controls without lung disease (n=5). Proteomic profiling of BALF was conducted using label-free quantitative methods. Unsupervised cluster analyses identified protein expression profiles which were then analyzed to predict survival outcomes and investigate associated pathways.

Results Proteomic profiling successfully differentiated IIP from controls. k -means clustering, based on protein expression revealed three distinct IIP clusters, which were not associated with age, smoking history, or baseline pulmonary function. These clusters had unique survival trajectories and provided more accurate survival predictions than the Gender Age Physiology (GAP) index (C-index 0.794 versus 0.709). The cluster with the worst prognosis featured decreased inflammatory signaling and complement activation, with pathway analysis highlighting altered immune response pathways related to immunoglobulin production and B cell-mediated immunity.

Conclusions The unsupervised clustering of BALF proteomics provided a novel stratification of IIP patients, with potential implications for prognostic and therapeutic targeting. The identified molecular phenotypes underscore the diversity within the IIP classification and the potential importance of personalized treatments for these conditions. Future validation in larger, multi-ethnic cohorts is essential to confirm these findings and to explore their utility in clinical decision-making for patients with IIP.

This manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in the ERJ Open Research . It is published here in its accepted form prior to copyediting and typesetting by our production team. After these production processes are complete and the authors have approved the resulting proofs, the article will move to the latest issue of the ERJOR online. Please open or download the PDF to view this article.

Conflict of interest: F.A.M, C.D, G.M are employees of ENA Respiratory Pty Ltd, receive an annual salary and other benefits. In addition, they have shares and share options and are named inventors on numerous granted or pending patent applications controlled by ENA.

Conflictof interest: L.T. Ngo has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: M.J. Rekowski has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: D.C. Koestler has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: T. Yorozuya has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: A. Saito has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: I. Azeem has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: A. Harrison has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: M.K. Demoruelle reports an investigator-initiated ASPIRE grant (WI227190) from Pfizer to study idiopathic interstitial pneumonia since the initial planning of the present study, and research funding from Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease not related to the present study in the past 36 months.

Conflictof interest: J. Boomer has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: B.R. England has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: P. Wolters reports grants and personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi, grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Roche, a contract/grant from Pliant, consulting fees from Blade Therapeutics, and a lecture honorarium from Boehringer Ingelheim, in the past 36 months.

Conflictof interest: P.L. Molyneaux reports grants or contracts from the NIH, ALA, PCORI, AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis, Pulmatrix, Sanofi-Aventis and Novartis; royalties from Elsevier; consulting fees from Genentech, Teva, Sanofi-Aventis and Novartis; and payment for honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers’ bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from AstraZeneca (unbranded, disease state only), Genentech, GSK, Regeneron, Sanofi and Teva, all in the past 36 months; and is an associate editor of this journal.

Conflictof interest: M. Castro reports grants or contracts from the NIH, ALA, PCORI, AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis, Pulmatrix, Sanofi-Aventis and Novartis; royalties from Elsevier; consulting fees from Genentech, Teva, Sanofi-Aventis and Novartis; and payment for honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers’ bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from AstraZeneca (unbranded, disease state only), Genentech, GSK, Regeneron, Sanofi and Teva, all in the past 36 months.

Conflictof interest: J.S. Lee reports a grant from Boehringer Ingelheim; consulting fees from Blade, Avalyn Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, United Therapeutics and Eleven P15; participation on a data safety monitoring or advisory board for the TETON (United Therapeutics) and ATLAS (Avalyn) trials; acting as Senior Medical Advisor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation; and a research gift from Pliant Therapeutics, all outside the submitted work, all in the past 36 months.

Conflictof interest: J.J. Solomon reports investigator-initiated grants from Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer, consulting fees for trial design from Istesso and 3+2 Pharma, payment for disease state education from Boehringer Ingelheim, payment for expert testimony from Cooper Rice and Olsen and Childs McClune, and participation on the “ATTACK my ILD” data safety monitoring board for the University of Pittsburgh, in the past 36 months.

Conflictof interest: K. Koronuma has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: M.P. Washburn has nothing to disclose.

Conflictof interest: S.M. Matson has nothing to disclose.

This is a PDF-only article. Please click on the PDF link above to read it.

• Received February 29, 2024.
• Accepted June 3, 2024.
• Copyright ©The authors 2024

This version is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Licence 4.0. For commercial reproduction rights and permissions contact permissions{at}ersnet.org

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• The impact of cardiovascular events in bronchiectasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
• Enhanced diaphragm excursion and exercise tolerance in COPD patients through inspiratory muscle training after standardised pulmonary rehabilitation: randomised controlled trial
• High flow humidified oxygen as an early intervention in children with acute severe asthma: a feasibility randomised controlled trial

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McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2023

After a tumultuous 2022 for technology investment and talent, the first half of 2023 has seen a resurgence of enthusiasm about technology’s potential to catalyze progress in business and society. Generative AI deserves much of the credit for ushering in this revival, but it stands as just one of many advances on the horizon that could drive sustainable, inclusive growth and solve complex global challenges.

To help executives track the latest developments, the McKinsey Technology Council  has once again identified and interpreted the most significant technology trends unfolding today. While many trends are in the early stages of adoption and scale, executives can use this research to plan ahead by developing an understanding of potential use cases and pinpointing the critical skills needed as they hire or upskill talent to bring these opportunities to fruition.

Our analysis examines quantitative measures of interest, innovation, and investment to gauge the momentum of each trend. Recognizing the long-term nature and interdependence of these trends, we also delve into underlying technologies, uncertainties, and questions surrounding each trend. This year, we added an important new dimension for analysis—talent. We provide data on talent supply-and-demand dynamics for the roles of most relevance to each trend. (For more, please see the sidebar, “Research methodology.”)

New and notable

All of last year’s 14 trends remain on our list, though some experienced accelerating momentum and investment, while others saw a downshift. One new trend, generative AI, made a loud entrance and has already shown potential for transformative business impact.

Research methodology

To assess the development of each technology trend, our team collected data on five tangible measures of activity: search engine queries, news publications, patents, research publications, and investment. For each measure, we used a defined set of data sources to find occurrences of keywords associated with each of the 15 trends, screened those occurrences for valid mentions of activity, and indexed the resulting numbers of mentions on a 0–1 scoring scale that is relative to the trends studied. The innovation score combines the patents and research scores; the interest score combines the news and search scores. (While we recognize that an interest score can be inflated by deliberate efforts to stimulate news and search activity, we believe that each score fairly reflects the extent of discussion and debate about a given trend.) Investment measures the flows of funding from the capital markets into companies linked with the trend. Data sources for the scores include the following:

• Patents. Data on patent filings are sourced from Google Patents.
• Research. Data on research publications are sourced from the Lens (www.lens.org).
• News. Data on news publications are sourced from Factiva.
• Searches. Data on search engine queries are sourced from Google Trends.
• Investment. Data on private-market and public-market capital raises are sourced from PitchBook.
• Talent demand. Number of job postings is sourced from McKinsey’s proprietary Organizational Data Platform, which stores licensed, de-identified data on professional profiles and job postings. Data is drawn primarily from English-speaking countries.

In addition, we updated the selection and definition of trends from last year’s study to reflect the evolution of technology trends:

• The generative-AI trend was added since last year’s study.
• We adjusted the definitions of electrification and renewables (previously called future of clean energy) and climate technologies beyond electrification and renewables (previously called future of sustainable consumption).
• Data sources were updated. This year, we included only closed deals in PitchBook data, which revised downward the investment numbers for 2018–22. For future of space technologies investments, we used research from McKinsey’s Aerospace & Defense Practice.

This new entrant represents the next frontier of AI. Building upon existing technologies such as applied AI and industrializing machine learning, generative AI has high potential and applicability across most industries. Interest in the topic (as gauged by news and internet searches) increased threefold from 2021 to 2022. As we recently wrote, generative AI and other foundational models  change the AI game by taking assistive technology to a new level, reducing application development time, and bringing powerful capabilities to nontechnical users. Generative AI is poised to add as much as $4.4 trillion in economic value from a combination of specific use cases and more diffuse uses—such as assisting with email drafts—that increase productivity. Still, while generative AI can unlock significant value, firms should not underestimate the economic significance and the growth potential that underlying AI technologies and industrializing machine learning can bring to various industries.

Investment in most tech trends tightened year over year, but the potential for future growth remains high, as further indicated by the recent rebound in tech valuations. Indeed, absolute investments remained strong in 2022, at more than $1 trillion combined, indicating great faith in the value potential of these trends. Trust architectures and digital identity grew the most out of last year’s 14 trends, increasing by nearly 50 percent as security, privacy, and resilience become increasingly critical across industries. Investment in other trends—such as applied AI, advanced connectivity, and cloud and edge computing—declined, but that is likely due, at least in part, to their maturity. More mature technologies can be more sensitive to short-term budget dynamics than more nascent technologies with longer investment time horizons, such as climate and mobility technologies. Also, as some technologies become more profitable, they can often scale further with lower marginal investment. Given that these technologies have applications in most industries, we have little doubt that mainstream adoption will continue to grow.

Organizations shouldn’t focus too heavily on the trends that are garnering the most attention. By focusing on only the most hyped trends, they may miss out on the significant value potential of other technologies and hinder the chance for purposeful capability building. Instead, companies seeking longer-term growth should focus on a portfolio-oriented investment across the tech trends most important to their business. Technologies such as cloud and edge computing and the future of bioengineering have shown steady increases in innovation and continue to have expanded use cases across industries. In fact, more than 400 edge use cases across various industries have been identified, and edge computing is projected to win double-digit growth globally over the next five years. Additionally, nascent technologies, such as quantum, continue to evolve and show significant potential for value creation. Our updated analysis for 2023 shows that the four industries likely to see the earliest economic impact from quantum computing—automotive, chemicals, financial services, and life sciences—stand to potentially gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by 2035. By carefully assessing the evolving landscape and considering a balanced approach, businesses can capitalize on both established and emerging technologies to propel innovation and achieve sustainable growth.

Tech talent dynamics

We can’t overstate the importance of talent as a key source in developing a competitive edge. A lack of talent is a top issue constraining growth. There’s a wide gap between the demand for people with the skills needed to capture value from the tech trends and available talent: our survey of 3.5 million job postings in these tech trends found that many of the skills in greatest demand have less than half as many qualified practitioners per posting as the global average. Companies should be on top of the talent market, ready to respond to notable shifts and to deliver a strong value proposition to the technologists they hope to hire and retain. For instance, recent layoffs in the tech sector may present a silver lining for other industries that have struggled to win the attention of attractive candidates and retain senior tech talent. In addition, some of these technologies will accelerate the pace of workforce transformation. In the coming decade, 20 to 30 percent of the time that workers spend on the job could be transformed by automation technologies, leading to significant shifts in the skills required to be successful. And companies should continue to look at how they can adjust roles or upskill individuals to meet their tailored job requirements. Job postings in fields related to tech trends grew at a very healthy 15 percent between 2021 and 2022, even though global job postings overall decreased by 13 percent. Applied AI and next-generation software development together posted nearly one million jobs between 2018 and 2022. Next-generation software development saw the most significant growth in number of jobs (exhibit).

Image description:

Small multiples of 15 slope charts show the number of job postings in different fields related to tech trends from 2021 to 2022. Overall growth of all fields combined was about 400,000 jobs, with applied AI having the most job postings in 2022 and experiencing a 6% increase from 2021. Next-generation software development had the second-highest number of job postings in 2022 and had 29% growth from 2021. Other categories shown, from most job postings to least in 2022, are as follows: cloud and edge computing, trust architecture and digital identity, future of mobility, electrification and renewables, climate tech beyond electrification and renewables, advanced connectivity, immersive-reality technologies, industrializing machine learning, Web3, future of bioengineering, future of space technologies, generative AI, and quantum technologies.

End of image description.

This bright outlook for practitioners in most fields highlights the challenge facing employers who are struggling to find enough talent to keep up with their demands. The shortage of qualified talent has been a persistent limiting factor in the growth of many high-tech fields, including AI, quantum technologies, space technologies, and electrification and renewables. The talent crunch is particularly pronounced for trends such as cloud computing and industrializing machine learning, which are required across most industries. It’s also a major challenge in areas that employ highly specialized professionals, such as the future of mobility and quantum computing (see interactive).

Michael Chui is a McKinsey Global Institute partner in McKinsey’s Bay Area office, where Mena Issler is an associate partner, Roger Roberts  is a partner, and Lareina Yee  is a senior partner.

The authors wish to thank the following McKinsey colleagues for their contributions to this research: Bharat Bahl, Soumya Banerjee, Arjita Bhan, Tanmay Bhatnagar, Jim Boehm, Andreas Breiter, Tom Brennan, Ryan Brukardt, Kevin Buehler, Zina Cole, Santiago Comella-Dorda, Brian Constantine, Daniela Cuneo, Wendy Cyffka, Chris Daehnick, Ian De Bode, Andrea Del Miglio, Jonathan DePrizio, Ivan Dyakonov, Torgyn Erland, Robin Giesbrecht, Carlo Giovine, Liz Grennan, Ferry Grijpink, Harsh Gupta, Martin Harrysson, David Harvey, Kersten Heineke, Matt Higginson, Alharith Hussin, Tore Johnston, Philipp Kampshoff, Hamza Khan, Nayur Khan, Naomi Kim, Jesse Klempner, Kelly Kochanski, Matej Macak, Stephanie Madner, Aishwarya Mohapatra, Timo Möller, Matt Mrozek, Evan Nazareth, Peter Noteboom, Anna Orthofer, Katherine Ottenbreit, Eric Parsonnet, Mark Patel, Bruce Philp, Fabian Queder, Robin Riedel, Tanya Rodchenko, Lucy Shenton, Henning Soller, Naveen Srikakulam, Shivam Srivastava, Bhargs Srivathsan, Erika Stanzl, Brooke Stokes, Malin Strandell-Jansson, Daniel Wallance, Allen Weinberg, Olivia White, Martin Wrulich, Perez Yeptho, Matija Zesko, Felix Ziegler, and Delphine Zurkiya.

They also wish to thank the external members of the McKinsey Technology Council.

This interactive was designed, developed, and edited by McKinsey Global Publishing’s Nayomi Chibana, Victor Cuevas, Richard Johnson, Stephanie Jones, Stephen Landau, LaShon Malone, Kanika Punwani, Katie Shearer, Rick Tetzeli, Sneha Vats, and Jessica Wang.

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McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2022

Value creation in the metaverse

Quantum computing funding remains strong, but talent gap raises concern

Money blog: Mobile customers told to switch within weeks or risk losing number

The Money blog brings you personal finance and consumer news, plus all the latest on the economy. Let us know your thoughts on any of the stories we're covering in the comments box below.

Friday 21 June 2024 20:22, UK

• Plusnet customers have weeks to switch provider or risk losing number
• Three popular brands fail sunscreen tests
• Interest rate held at 16-year high in blow for borrowers
• Aldi tactic forces Tesco 'to pull products from sales campaign'

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• Why frozen fruit and veg can be better for our health - and our wallets
• Ian King analysis: Door still open for August rate cut - though one thing could get in the way
• 'One guy wanted to rent my room for a few hours to meet a friend...' What I learnt from putting my home on Airbnb
• Women in Business : 'How I went from mum with no qualifications to owner of big law firm'
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Plusnet customers have just weeks left to switch to another mobile provider, or risk losing their phone number and access to banking apps.

At the end of the month Plusnet mobile services - which is part of BT - will close as EE takes over as BT's main mobile brand. 

The company said customers should have been contacted 30 days before the date their account will close.

They will then have 40 days from that date to switch provider.

How can I keep my mobile number?

Customers who want to keep their mobile number will need to request a porting authorisation code (PAC). 

To do this, text the word PAC to 65075 and give it to a new provider. The code remains valid for 30 days.

A Plusnet spokesperson told Sky News it had been contacting customers for months to let them know the mobile service was closing. 

It said it is offering customers EE SIM-only deals starting at just £4 a month. Alternatively, they can switch to any other supplier, taking their number with them.

Around 1,500 workers at Tata Steel are to hold an "all-out indefinite strike", the Unite union has announced. 

The industrial action at Port Talbot and Llanwern, Newport, will begin on 8 July and is expected to "severely impact" the company's UK operations, the union said.

It comes in response to plans to close Tata Steel's blast furnaces in South Wales, putting 2,800 jobs at risk, according to the union.

Unite said it would be the first time in more than 40 years that steelworkers in the UK have gone on strike.

Industrial action, including staff working to rule and a ban on overtime, began earlier this week.

The union's general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The strikes will go on until Tata halts its disastrous plans.

"Unite is backing Tata's workers to the hilt in their historic battle to save the Welsh steel industry and give it the bright future it deserves."

The UK's biggest trade union has officially backed the campaign to introduce a four-day working week. 

Unison has argued the flexible working pattern could help employers recruit and retain staff, and has demanded the next government take action to make sure more businesses adopt it. 

Campaigners have argued that research shows business performance and productivity increases when staff are able to work a four-day week.

Unison's general secretary Christina McAnea said the COVID pandemic proved people could do their jobs from home and, with the use of AI on the rise, the move was inevitable. 

"What's needed is a rethink on how workplaces are organised, as well as progressive policies that future-proof people's livelihoods and protect their wellbeing," she said. 

Last year, 61 companies across the UK took part in a four-day working week trial, and 56 of them agreed to stick with it. 

The Great British summer could finally be arriving, with some forecasts suggesting there could be a heatwave next week.

But as temperatures creep towards 30C, technology in your home, including mobile phones and broadband routers, can overheat.

Placing a router in the coolest room, away from direct sunlight is the best way to ensure you stay connected to the internet, experts at Uswitch.com have recommended. 

Mobile phones are also designed to work up to 35C.

Putting devices in direct sunlight can put them under additional strain.

Uswitch.com says by closing down unused apps, checking non-official chargers, and avoiding putting mobiles in a fridge or freezer, can keep them cooler for longer. 

As thousands of Taylor Swift fans descend on Wembley Stadium for the blockbuster Eras tour this weekend, parents who are set to endure the clapping, screaming and crying have the chance to bag themselves a freebie. 

Tech retailer Curry's is giving away free JBL noise-cancelling headphones to the first 50 parents or guardians who show a valid concert ticket.

"Taylor Swift's tour in Wembley will be a musical moment like no other," Stuart Taylor, store manager at Curry's in Wembley, said.

"But we know she isn't for everyone. 

"We have already seen so many videos of social media of parents taking their kids to dates on the tour so far, so we wanted to give something back to parents doing their duty - whether they're going with their kids or playing taxi driver."

The deal only applies to the Wembley store in northwest London.

Government borrowing was less than expected in May , new figures have revealed.

Net borrowing - the difference between public sector spending and income - was £15bn, an increase of £0.8bn on the same time last year, the Office for National Statistics said.

The amount is below the £15.7bn forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility and less than expected by economists.

However, it's still the highest amount for the month of May since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retail sales rose by a better-than-expected 2.9% in May as increased footfall, better weather and deals saw shoppers return to high streets, according to officials.

It comes following a poor performance during the previous month as days of heavy rain dampened demand across much of the country.

Economists polled by news agency Reuters had been expecting a rise of around 1.5%.

Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics also revised its retail sales figures for April.

It previously estimated that they fell by a worse-than-expected 2.3%, but now it says the drop was 1.8%.

Microsoft has regained the title of the world's most valuable public company , just days after it was overtaken by one of its rivals.

Computer chipmaker Nvidia lost its hold on the top spot after its shares slipped by 3.5% in the US yesterday, leaving the company valued at $3.2trn (£2.5trn).

Nvidia, Microsoft and Apple are now in a three-horse race for the top spot, while they are also battling to become the world's first $4trn (£3.2trn) firm, analysts say.

A key factor to watch is whether Nvidia can maintain its dominance in AI, or if its market share will be eroded by its rivals as they invest heavily in the field while racing to catch up.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Shares in Britvic have surged by 15% on the FTSE 250 this morning after the soft drinks maker revealed it had rejected a takeover bid from beer giant Carlsberg.

The Hertfordshire-based company, which owns brands including Robinsons squash and J20 - as well as distribution rights for Pepsi in the UK - said the proposed £3.1bn deal was a "significant" undervaluation of its worth.

Britvic told shareholders this morning that its board "remains confident in the current and future prospects" of the company.

However, board members said they would "consider any further proposal on its merits," adding: "There can be no certainty that any firm offer will be made for the company, nor as to the terms of any such offer, should one be made."

The FTSE 100 overall is down nearly 0.3% in early trading, with the FTSE 250 slipping 0.2%.

Top climbers on the FTSE 100 include grocery delivery firm Ocado, which is up 3%.

It comes amid increasing consumer confidence, falling inflation and new figures that revealed a better-than-expected 2.9% rise in retail sales during May.

Water firms United Utilities and Severn Trent are also both up around 2%.

Packaging firm Smurfit Kappa is among the biggest fallers, dropping nearly 3% on Friday morning.

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.26 US or €1.18, similar to yesterday's rates.

Oil prices are stable this morning, with the cost of a barrel of Brent Crude hovering around $85 (£67).

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.

In this series we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

This time, we're looking at whether frozen fruit and vegetables, often a lot cheaper and more convenient, are just as good for you as fresh. 

Frozen products often get bad press, but is that fair? 

Sunna argues they can be better for you nutritionally than fresh - and that's good news for your wallet.

Fresh produce challenges

Before we get to why frozen fruit and veg is so great, let's look at some of the downsides of fresh produce. 

"Fresh fruit and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat, but they often have been picked before peak ripeness to allow them to ripen during the long distances to reach your local supermarket," he says.

This gives them less time to develop their full range of vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants and during the journey, they might also spend days or even weeks in transit and storage. 

Because of that, vitamins like C and B and other antioxidants start to degrade - beginning the moment they are picked. 

"By the time it reaches your plate, your fruits and veggies might not be as nutrient-dense as they once were," he says.

The average UK household also wastes about £470 of food each year - and a big portion of that is fresh fruit and vegetables that have gone bad before being eaten. 

Why frozen may be a better option 

"Frozen veg could be your best ally in maintaining a nutritious diet while keeping costs low," Sunna says. 

Frozen produce is picked at peak ripeness, when it's most nutrient-dense, then flash-frozen within hours of picking. 

"This process effectively pauses the degradation of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, preserving the nutritional value until you're ready to eat," Sunna says. 

"Freezing produce also locks in nutrients that might otherwise be lost during the transportation and storage of fresh fruits and vegetables."

The good news doesn't stop there - as your wallet can also win here.

Here are a few examples of the price difference between fresh and frozen produce:

Blueberries - more than 40% saving

• Fresh 300g - £10.50 a kg
• Frozen 400g - £6.25 a kg 

Broccoli - more than 45% saving

• Fresh loose - £2.19 a kg
• Frozen florets - £1.19 a kg

Spinach - more than 65% saving

• Baby fresh 220g - £6.10 a kg
• Frozen 900g - £2.06 a kg

So switching from fresh to frozen blueberries (assuming one punnet a week) would save you £33.80 a year - do the same with broccoli and spinach and you're looking at more than £100 in savings. 

Look in your cupboards and in your fridge for easy substitutes to maximise savings - these are just three examples. 

There is one obvious drawback here...

"Frozen doesn't always taste as good as fresh," Sunna says, "but there are simple ways to make these changes more palatable for your taste buds too."

Sticking with our examples above - using fruit in smoothies means you'll barely notice a difference, while you can steam or roast broccoli instead of boiling it to avoid it going mushy.

Spinach tastes virtually the same. 

"Don't let the allure of fresh produce blind you to the benefits of their frozen counterparts," Sunna says.

"By switching to frozen, you can enjoy better nutrient retention, amazing cost savings, and reduce food waste - a win-win-win." 

Read more from this series... 

Three popular sunscreen products have failed an annual safety test by Which?.

Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30 High, Calypso Press & Protect Sun Lotion SPF30 and Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion all failed the consumer champion's tests to assess their SPF and UVA protection.

Asda said it did not recognise the results, while Calypso said its product passed EU standards and regulations in independent testing.

Which? said the Calypso's Press & Protect lotion "barely mustered" two-thirds of its claimed SPF30 across the two tests.

Asda's Protect Moisturising lotion failed both rounds of testing, it added.

Bondi Sands SPF50+ "did not come close" to the claimed SPF and did not reach the minimum required UVA protection. 

Asda said: "We recently had our Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30 High re-tested by a leading external provider using internationally recognised testing methods. 

"These test results confirmed that this product has a sun protection factor of 31.5, and therefore we do not recognise the test results Which? has published.

"When Which? reviewed this same product in 2022, they awarded it 'Great Value' at that time and it passed their SPF test."

Calypso Sun said: "All products are carefully and independently tested and have passed EU standards and regulations."

Bondi Sands did not respond to a Which? request for comment.

Every Friday we get an overview of the mortgage market with the help of industry experts. This week we have spoken to David Hollingworth, associate director at  L&C Mortgages , and Rachel Springall, finance expert at  Moneyfactscompare.co.uk . 

Although it was widely expected to happen, the Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates at the 16-year high of 5.25% for the seventh time in a row dealt a blow to borrowers.

There had been better news the day before, when inflation fell to the Bank of England's target of 2%, ending a long three-year wait for borrowers.

Markets now expect the Bank to cut interest rates in August or September, which would be a major moment.

As Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, says, with inflation reaching the target "there will be more pressure on the committee to vote in favour to cut the bank base rate at its next meeting in August".

"Regardless of any potential base rate changes to come, fixed mortgage rates can rise or fall depending on how markets anticipate rates to fluctuate, so it's essential borrowers keep a close eye on the latest deals to hit the market," she adds. 

"Week on week, the overall average two-year fixed rate fell to 5.96% and the average five-year fixed rate remained at 5.53%."

These are the lowest rates on offer…

Moneyfacts advises people looking to avoid upfront costs and legal fees to look at Best Buys as well as the deals with the lowest rates...

Will a cut change anything?

The last time inflation was this low was July 2021. Back then, as David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages, points out, the lowest fixed rates were around 1%. 

They're now around 4.5%, which shows how quickly rates have changed.

Mortgage rates have moved around a bit in recent months as markets questioned when the interest rate cut would come and how big the cuts would be, David says.

"That pushed some fixed rates up a little, but we've seen funding costs ease back a little, and now lender price changes are often a mixed bag of cuts and hikes. 

"Overall mortgage rates are tending to hold steady and the decision to hold the base rate will not come as a surprise to anyone, so it's unlikely that there will be much reaction in mortgage rates."

He has some advice for anyone delaying taking out a mortgage in the hopes of a rate cut: "Those that have been holding off in the hope that fixed rates will drop soon may want to reconsider their approach. 

"Even if we do see a cut in August or September that will already have been priced into fixed rates and may not result in a major shift in rates.

"In many ways the safer approach may be to get a rate in place to protect against any increases and then keep rates under review up until the end of the existing deal.

"If rates do improve, you will generally still be able to move across to the newer product."

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