  Detecting emerging research topics is essential, not only for research
agencies but also for individual researchers. Previous studies have created
various bibliographic indicators for the identification of emerging research
topics. However, as indicated by Rotolo et al. (2015), the most serious
problems are the lack of an acknowledged definition of emergence and incomplete
elaboration of the linkages between the definitions that are used and the
indicators that are created. With these issues in mind, this study first
adjusts the definition of an emerging technology that Rotolo et al. (2015) have
proposed in order to accommodate the analysis. Next, a set of criteria for the
identification of emerging topics is proposed according to the adjusted
definition and attributes of emergence. By the use of two sets of parameter
values, several emerging research topics are identified. Finally, evaluation
tests are conducted by demonstration of the proposed approach and comparison
with previous studies. The strength of the present methodology lies in the fact
that it is fully transparent, straightforward, and flexible.
