ARE Topic Selection
Evaluates research literature and topic scope to determine fit for authoritative Annual Review of Economics survey articles.
The ARE Topic Selection skill guides economics researchers in assessing whether a literature domain is mature, broadly significant, and ready for an Annual Review of Economics (ARE) survey volume. By applying four distinct fit tests—maturity, broad importance, need for accessible synthesis, and 25–40 page tractability—this skill prevents premature submissions, distinguishes ARE scope from sibling outlets like JEL, JEP, or Handbook chapters, and frames compelling animating questions tailored for non-specialist economists.
Key Features
01Differentiates publication venue fit across ARE, JEL, JEP, and specialized Handbook chapters
02Identifies common academic survey anti-patterns like self-retrospectives and premature reviews
03Evaluates literature maturity, broad importance, and tractability against the 4-part ARE-fit criteria
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05Generates structured coverage skeletons spanning 3 to 6 distinct research lines
06Structures single-sentence animating questions and concrete 'why now' justifications
Use Cases
01Deciding whether a literature review belongs in ARE, Journal of Economic Literature, or JEP
02Determining if an emerging economics literature has matured enough for an Annual Review survey
03Drafting an animating question and reader payoff to prepare an editorial proposal