Abstract
Purpose
New developments in the study of delayed recognition are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on these new developments a method is proposed to characterize delayed recognition as a fuzzy concept.
Findings
A benchmark value of 0.333 corresponding with linear growth is obtained. Moreover, a case is discovered in which an expert found delayed recognition several years before citation analysis could discover this phenomenon.
Research limitations
As all citation studies also this one is database dependent.
Practical implications
Delayed recognition is turned into a fuzzy concept.
Originality/value
The article presents a new way of studying delayed recognition.