‘Science of Science’: the thematic landscape and historical roots
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31358091Keywords:
Bibliometric Analysis, Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy, Scientometrics, Thematic Evolution, Science of Science, Historical RootsAbstract
Introduction. This study analyses the status of the global Science of Science (SOS) research to map its spatial and temporal landscape, prominent researchers and their approaches to the subject. It further traces the historical roots of SOS to identify the seminal works and authors who laid the foundation of this research area.
Method. We conducted bibliometric and reference publication year spectroscopy (RPYS) analyses on data extracted from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, to examine the thematic landscape and the historical roots respectively.
Analysis. Bibliometrix R package was used to analyse and map the productivity and thematic landscapes. CRExplorer was employed to perform RPYS to identify the seminal authors and works that framed the research area of SOS.
Results. Scientometrics and its variants form the central theme of present day SOS and the area will be led forward by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovation studies. The historical roots of SOS lies in the works of J.D.Bernal, de Solla Price, Merton and Garfield.
Conclusion. Mapping SOS from inception to its current stature, this study reveals its weak theoretical framework, risking its reduction to mere quantitative science study. We suggest to undertake interdisciplinary collaborative investigations to address this.
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