Energizing a literature review to boldly go where no one has gone before

Abstract

Taking stock of a research stream through a literature review can provide tremendous value. Whether this potential is fully realized depends on the degree to which the review energizes a research stream by setting a course toward exploration of compelling and exciting research questions. The purpose of this editorial is twofold. First, we describe four key tactics that scholars can use to create an energizing literature review: (1) launching research ideas from the conceptual platform built by the review; (2) ripping cutting-edge research ideas from news and industry headlines; (3) unveiling a portfolio of theoretical opportunities; and (4) constructing an accessible research agenda. Second, we introduce the five literature reviews contained in this special topic forum with particular attention to their energizing features.