> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://concept.mosaic-program.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://concept.mosaic-program.org/appendix/appendix-b-prior-art-and-differentiation.md).

# Appendix B: Prior Art and Differentiation

| Prior Approach                                                                    | Limitations                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Mainstream science social networks (ResearchGate, Academia.edu)                   | Closed platforms that resist community-driven evolution; researchers can't extend them or build on their data                                                                                                                          |
| Blockchain-based decentralized science (DeSci)                                    | Built tokens and tools before communities; financialization friction; adoption stalled                                                                                                                                                 |
| AI-for-science tools (literature search, summarization, paper-writing assistants) | Inherit the limitations of papers as primary data source; amplify the existing system rather than rebuilding it                                                                                                                        |
| Prior modular research initiatives (nanopublications, semantic web)               | Researchers are not rewarded for modular formats, so adoption stalls regardless of technical merit. Uptake also limited by lack of broad adoption surfaces (integration with social networks and research lifecycle apps and services) |


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