From Weak Signals to Opportunities: Research Progress on Weak Signals

Ma Ming; Mao Jin; Li Gang

doi:10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2023.19.011

Library and Information Service >

2023 , Vol. 67 >Issue 19: 121 - 132

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2023.19.011

From Weak Signals to Opportunities: Research Progress on Weak Signals

Ma Ming ,
Mao Jin ,
Li Gang

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1 Laboratory of Data Intelligence and Interdisciplinary Innovation, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023;
2 School of Digital Economics and Management, Nanjing University, Suzhou 215011;
3 School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072;
4 Center for Studies of Information Resources, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072

Received date: 2023-02-27

Revised date: 2023-06-04

Online published: 2023-10-25

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Abstract

[Purpose/Significance] Weak signals are early warning information linked to future opportunities, exhibiting novelty, strategic relevance, and dynamism. This makes the weak signals holding significant intelligence value. In this regard, we aim to elucidate the fundamental features of weak signals and systematically review the related researchin order to offer valuable insights for scholarly investigation and practical application. [Method/Process] From the perspective of management science, the concept of weak signals is carefully analyzed, the core feathers, application directions and mission scenarios of weak signals are sorted out, and six weak signal identification and analysis methods for decision support and innovation management are systematically compared, and the limitations of current research and development trends are analyzed. [Result/Conclusion] The study of weak signals has given rise to various identification and analysis methods in management science and intelligence science. These methods hold crucial significance in the context of recognizing opportunities. In the future, we must focus on weak signals’ verifiability and quantitative analysis. Moreover, there should be a deliberate push toward innovating identification methods rooted in inductive logic, and thoughtful consideration should be given to analytical techniques that combine “data + knowledge”.

Key words： weak signal; decision support; innovation management; early warning

Cite this article

Ma Ming , Mao Jin , Li Gang . From Weak Signals to Opportunities: Research Progress on Weak Signals[J]. Library and Information Service, 2023 , 67(19) : 121 -132 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2023.19.011

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