An Economist's View on Bibliometrically Measuring Scientific Research

摘要

The impact of academic research on economic performance is nowadays receiving widespread attention. Academic science no longer is considered exogenous to the economic system. Universities and other public research institutes are increasingly expected to contribute to the performance of their countries. Public authorities demand that their university system deliver value for money in the competitive world of science and technology. In addition, increasing budgetary stringency forces policymakers to make tough choices in the allocation of resources that affect the science system. Research output is continuously assessed, and funding is made contingent on the quality of the research performed. Individual researchers, as well as complete research groups and institutes, are evaluated and assessed at regular intervals, with research funding increasingly being concentrated in centers of excellence. This should ensure the breeding ground for scientific novelty and breakthroughs that fuel the innovation process in society.