Comparison is at the center of many research studies that leads to the interaction between different objects and mostly resulted in significant improvements. Especially, comparing business/technological approaches, such as building information modeling (BIM) and product lifecycle management (PLM), is an activity that is often difficult and complex, and requires particular methodological approaches. One of the biggest challenges through such a comparison is to identify the most effective methodological approach. Previous research studies have introduced cross-pollination as an interesting comparative analysis approach. However, it is important to mention that it remains a relatively untapped approach in the literature. This article provides a review of the cross-pollination variants and related terms and steps. Research findings of comparative analysis methods and approaches are evaluated to demonstrate the similarities and differences. This evaluation leads this research to represents the lessons learned of the existing methods and approaches.