knowledge-synthesis

name	knowledge_synthesis
description	Gather information from multiple sources and synthesize it into a structured knowledge brief
metadata	{"openclaw":{"tags":["enterprise-search","synthesis","knowledge","brief"]}}

Knowledge Synthesis

Gather information from multiple connected sources on a specific topic and synthesize it into a comprehensive, structured knowledge brief. Unlike a simple search that returns a list of results, this skill reads, analyzes, and produces an original synthesis document.

When to Use

Activate this skill when the user wants to:

• Create a briefing document on a topic pulling from internal and external sources
• Understand the full picture on a subject their organization has discussed across tools
• Prepare background material for a meeting, presentation, or decision
• Consolidate scattered information into one authoritative summary
• Get a "state of knowledge" report on an internal project or external topic

Workflow

Step 1: Define the synthesis scope

Clarify what the user wants synthesized:

• Topic: What subject or question is the brief about?
• Audience: Who will read this brief? (This affects depth and tone.)
• Scope: Should it include only internal knowledge, only external, or both?
• Time range: Is there a relevant time window (e.g., "last quarter", "since the reorg")?
• Desired length: Quick summary (1 page) or comprehensive brief (3-5 pages)?

If the user did not specify these, make reasonable assumptions and state them.

Step 2: Gather external context

Use capability_execute with the following parameters:

• capabilityId: research.web_search
• packId: enterprise-search
• args:
  • query: the topic, phrased for web search
  • maxResults: 15

Extract key facts, recent developments, and authoritative sources. Note the publication date and source credibility for each finding.

Skip this step if the user asked for internal-only synthesis.

Step 3: Gather internal documents

Use capability_execute with the following parameters:

• capabilityId: docs.search_files
• packId: enterprise-search
• args:
  • query: the topic
  • maxResults: 20
  • sortBy: "relevance"

Identify the most relevant internal documents. For each document, extract:

• Title and author
• Key points relevant to the synthesis topic
• Date created or last modified
• How it relates to other findings

Step 4: Gather email context

Use capability_execute with the following parameters:

• capabilityId: mail.read_inbox
• packId: enterprise-search
• args:
  • query: the topic
  • maxResults: 15
  • dateRange: the time range if specified, otherwise last 90 days

Look for:

• Key decisions communicated via email
• Discussions that provide context not captured in documents
• Action items or commitments related to the topic

Step 5: Gather chat context (if available)

Use capability_execute with the following parameters:

• capabilityId: chat.search_messages
• packId: enterprise-search
• args:
  • query: the topic
  • maxResults: 15
  • channels: relevant channels if identifiable

Look for:

• Informal discussions that shaped decisions
• Quick updates or status changes
• Links to resources shared in conversation

This capability is optional. If it returns needs_setup, proceed without chat data and note the gap in the final brief.

Step 6: Analyze and cross-reference

Before writing the brief:

1. Identify areas of agreement across sources
2. Identify contradictions or tensions between sources
3. Identify gaps where information is missing or outdated
4. Establish a timeline of key events and decisions
5. Determine what is established fact vs. opinion vs. speculation

Step 7: Create the brief document (if requested)

If the user wants the brief saved as a document, use capability_execute:

• capabilityId: docs.create_brief
• packId: enterprise-search
• args:
  • title: "Knowledge Brief: {topic}"
  • content: the formatted brief content
  • folder: user-specified location or default

This capability is optional. If it returns needs_setup, present the brief inline and let the user know they can save it manually.

Output Format

## Knowledge Brief: {topic}

**Prepared for:** {audience or "General"}
**Date:** {current date}
**Scope:** {internal / external / both}
**Sources consulted:** {count} documents, {count} emails, {count} chat threads, {count} web sources

---

### Executive Summary

{3-5 sentence overview of the most important findings. This should stand alone
as a useful summary for someone who reads nothing else.}

### Background

{2-3 paragraphs establishing context. What is the topic? Why does it matter?
What has happened recently?}

### Key Findings

**1. {Finding title}**
{2-3 paragraphs detailing this finding. Include specific data points, quotes,
or references where available.}
Sources: {list of sources that support this finding}

**2. {Finding title}**
{2-3 paragraphs}
Sources: {list of sources}

**3. {Finding title}**
{2-3 paragraphs}
Sources: {list of sources}

[... additional findings as warranted ...]

### Internal Perspective

{What does the organization's own documentation and communication say about
this topic? Summarize internal discussions, decisions, and stated positions.}

### External Perspective

{What do external sources say? Market context, competitor activity, industry
trends, analyst opinions.}

### Timeline

| Date | Event | Source |
|------|-------|--------|
| {date} | {event} | {source} |
| {date} | {event} | {source} |

### Open Questions

- {question that remains unanswered}
- {question that emerged during research}
- {area where sources conflict}

### Recommendations

1. {actionable recommendation based on findings}
2. {recommendation}
3. {recommendation}

---

**Sources:** {numbered list of all sources cited}
**Gaps:** {note any sources that were unavailable}

For quick summaries, condense to Executive Summary + Key Findings + Open Questions.