Named Entity Recognition: Fallacies, challenges and opportunities

Named Entity Recognition serves as the basis for many other areas in Information Management. However, it is unclear what the meaning of Named Entity is, and yet there is a general belief that Named Entity Recognition is a solved task. In this paper we analyze the evolution of the field from a theoretical and practical point of view. We argue that the task is actually far from solved and show the consequences for the development and evaluation of tools. We discuss topics for further research with the goal of bringing the task back to the research scenario.

► It is generally accepted that Named Entity Recognition (NER) is a solved task. ► We analyze the evolution of the area from theoretical and practical points of view. ► We show that NER is not solved and periodic evaluation forums are still necessary. ► These forums should vary the NE types and use measures agreed by the community. ► The techniques applied could gradually lead to the flexibility needed in the area.