Secondary studies in software engineering: Are we evolving knowledge or simply publishing papers?
Katia Romero Felizardo · Information and Software Technology · 2026
Context: Secondary studies, such as Systematic Literature Reviews (SLRs), are widely used for evidence synthesis in Software Engineering (SE), but their proliferation has raised concerns regarding their contribution to evolving knowledge. Objective: To share concerns about the current trajectory of secondary studies in SE, drawing on insights from experienced researchers. Method: Expert perspectives were gathered from experienced SE researchers to highlight issues that influence the conduct of secondary studies. Results: The gap between rigour and relevance, weaknesses in the evaluation of primary studies, misuse of the “SLR” label, reduced reliability, and limited transparency, reproducibility and automation raise concerns about how secondary studies contribute to evolving knowledge. Conclusion: The SE community should strengthen primary and secondary research through methodological rigour, transparency, and reproducibility, while continuing to reflect on the role, use, and automation of secondary studies.