A system for frequent pattern mining uses two layers of processing: a plurality of computing nodes, and a plurality of processors within each computing node. Within each computing node, the data set against which the frequent pattern mining is to be performed is stored in shared memory, accessible concurrently by each of the processors. The search space is partitioned among the computing nodes, and sub-partitioned among the processors of each computing node. If a processor completes its sub-partition, it requests another sub-partition. The partitioning and sub-partitioning may be performed dynamically, and adjusted in real time.