Work

Synthetic data generation: A tertiary study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Synthetic Data Generation (SDG) is expanding rapidly, yet existing surveys differ widely in scope and methodological quality. This tertiary study systematically searched four major scholarly databases (2015-2025) and, after PRISMA screening and DARE-4 appraisal, 1 identified 17 eligible secondary studies. The evidence reveals a strong concentration in healthcare (58.8% of surveys), limited coverage of non-health domains, and inconsistent reporting of evaluation protocols (e.g., incomplete specification of metrics, data splits, baselines, or evaluation scripts). Fidelity and downstream utility dominate assessment practices, whereas privacy and diversity remain under-examined. Only 4 of 17 surveys provide any reproducibility artefacts. By consolidating these findings, we propose a compact, domain-agnostic evaluation baseline and highlight structural gaps in transparency, domain breadth, and methodological consistency. The study offers actionable guidance for strengthening reproducibility and broadening the evidential foundations of SDG research.

Source: Information Processing & Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.ipm.2026.104715

Authors: Navid Nobani, Giovanni Officioso, Filippo Pallucchini, Giancarlo Sperlì, Fabio Mercorio

Institutions: University of Milano-Bicocca, University of Naples Federico II

Language: English

Topic: Privacy-Preserving Technologies in Data

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,670

OpenAlex ID: W7136351392

FWCI:

Cites: 51

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