Rule reminder
In formal written Italian (academic papers, press releases, official correspondence), the congiuntivo is consistently preferred over the indicativo in subordinate clauses after verbs of thinking, reporting, and uncertainty. The present subjunctive (congiuntivo presente) is often used even when discussing future events in formal writing.
L'autore sostiene che le teorie precedenti _____ in grado di spiegare adeguatamente il fenomeno. [academic critique]