Knowledge Mining: The quantitative synthesis and visualization of research results and findings
Abstract
Knowledge Mining draws upon many of the key concepts of knowledge management, data mining and knowledge discovery, meta-analysis and data visualization. Within the context of scientific research, knowledge mining is principally concerned with the quantitative synthesis and visualization of research results and findings. The results of knowledge mining are increased scientific understanding along with improvements in research quality and value. Knowledge mining products can be used to highlight research opportunities, assist with the presentation of "best" scientific evidence, facilitate research portfolio management, as well as facilitate policy setting and decision making. Specifically discussed will be the application of knowledge mining within the area of pharmaceutical drug development and commercialization (e.g., the synthesis of clinical research findings surrounding a class of drugs and their effectiveness in treating specific patient subgroups). Emphasis will be placed on how a research and development team interacts with product marketing in order to maximize the value of the knowledge mining process and its products. Appropriate knowledge mining methods, tools, processes, and the required expertise necessary for visualizing a body of clinical research, synthesizing results (e.g., meta-analysis, meta-regression, and multi-response surface modeling), as well as the cost of increasing the depth of understanding surrounding both obtained and desired results will be discussed.
