Mapping the Knowledge Structure of Science and Technology PolicyMaking Process Studies: A Scientometric Analysis of Trends, Influential Authors, and Thematic Structures in the Scopus

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to investigate the evolution and dynamics of scientific outputs related to science and technology policymaking processes by analyzing publications indexed in Scopus. The results will contribute to enhancing fundamental knowledge of the science and technology policymaking process and provide a systematic overview of its development over time. This study addresses the need for effective knowledge management within the science and technology policymaking process to promote sustainable and competent governance.Methodology: This research is a descriptive study with an applied approach, utilizing research methods and bibliometric analysis tools. The study population comprises 1,393 documents, from the earliest indexed record up to September 9, 2024, all indexed in the Scopus database and related to the topic of science and technology policymaking processes across various years. Using R-based software tools such as Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny, along with VOSviewer, this research analyzes growth rates, publication trends, active and influential authors, collaboration and co-authorship networks, thematic trends, and thematic clusters. The study follows a five-stage workflow: research question formulation, data extraction, analysis, visualization, and interpretation, providing insights into the evolution and structure of this research field.Findings: The first scientific publications indexed in the Scopus database appeared in 1964. Data analysis reveals a gradual increase in the growth of scientific publications until 2010, followed by rapid growth until 2021. However, a significant recent decline in the trend of scientific output necessitates identifying the underlying factors and developing effective strategies to promote and stabilize scientific production. Additionally, the research findings indicate that the most frequently indexed document type in the Scopus database is scientific research articles, totaling 912 documents. The journal "Policy Sciences" was identified as having the highest number of publications. The research findings revealed that Macintosh Ann, Visvizi Anna, and Turnpenny John were influential authors, having the highest number of citations and producing high-quality articles. Additionally, the United States and the United Kingdom had the greatest number of publications and the highest levels of international collaboration. The analysis of thematic clusters reveals that scientific research indexed in the Scopus database primarily focuses on policy (in general), the policy-making process, e-participation, and climate policies. Using keyword clustering and the strategic diagram, the structure of knowledge regarding the science and technology policy-making process was mapped. According to the strategic diagram, the thematic structure of this knowledge currently lacks a driving or core theme that is both well-developed and strongly connected to other research areas. Additionally, "climate policy" was identified as a developed theme, though it has limited connections with other themes, while "e-participation" is recognized as an emerging research area.Conclusion: The study of science and technology policy is critically important because of its profound impact on national development and global competitiveness. It plays a vital role in fostering innovation. The growing complexity and rapid evolution of science and technology require robust policy frameworks capable of adapting to emerging trends and challenges. Policymakers depend on scientific and technical knowledge to address societal issues, enhance policies, and promote sustainable development. By employing evidence-based approaches and scientometric indicators, researchers and policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of trends and knowledge structures within this field. This enhanced insight can lead to more effective and informed policy decisions. These results underscore the need for continuous monitoring of scientific outputs to support evidence-based policymaking and to anticipate emerging shifts in the global research landscape. The research findings indicate that, despite emerging trends and the identification of research gaps, there remain unexplored areas for expanding knowledge in the field of science and technology policy processes. Notably, keywords such as "knowledge" and "knowledge management" were underrepresented in the scientific outputs of this study due to their low frequency and co-occurrence. By emphasizing the need for more focused research in these areas, this study highlights opportunities for collaboration among researchers and academics to better understand future trends. Consequently, to promote research diversity, it is recommended to develop targeted funding initiatives focusing on emerging areas such as e-participation and knowledge management. Additionally, since this study's data were sourced from the Scopus database, it is suggested that a broader research approach—including other databases such as Web of Science and Google Scholar—be analyzed and reviewed to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of global research trends.