The Conceptual Structure of Scholarly Knowledge in the Field of Science and Technology Governance in Iran: A Scientometric Analysis

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Department of Information Science and Knowledge, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22059/jlib.2025.388209.1768

Abstract

Objective: Science and technology governance is widely recognized as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and national progress. It encompasses the processes of formulating, implementing, and evaluating policies and initiatives related to the development and application of science and technology at national, regional, and global levels. In Iran, the governance of science and technology has emerged as a central topic in scholarly research. However, the conceptual dimensions of this broad research field remain somewhat unclear and unstructured. This study aims to investigate how the conceptual dimensions of science and technology governance have evolved and expanded in Iran. Accordingly, the primary objective is to examine the conceptual structure of scholarly knowledge within this field in the Iranian context.
Method: This study is applied in nature and employs a scientometric approach, specifically utilizing co-word analysis methodology. The research population consists of 673 articles published between 1994 and October 2024. Data were collected from Iranian databases. For data analysis and visualization, software tools such as UCINET, NetDraw, VOSviewer, and SPSS were used.
Results: The co-word analysis of the articles published in this field yielded 3,433 distinct concepts (or keywords), with approximately 15% being highly significant (appearing more than five times). Additionally, more than 100 new concepts have emerged in the literature over the past decade. The clustering results revealed 15 independent and semi-independent thematic clusters. Based on network analysis metrics, the overall density of the conceptual network was approximately 2,145, while the connection strength between high-impact concepts ranged from 6 to 52. The highest connection scores corresponded to the most frequently occurring concepts in this domain.
Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that, due to the diversity of topics addressed in the research, this domain is extensive, multidimensional, and complex in terms of the number of concepts. Its dynamic nature, rapid technological advancements, and profound impacts on various aspects of social, economic, and environmental life have introduced emerging concepts in recent years. Additionally, the clustering of concepts in the field of science and technology governance appears multidimensional, interdisciplinary, and diverse. Given the prominence of concepts such as "policy, priority, development leadership, supportive infrastructure, public trust, scientific diplomacy, ethical regulations," and others, the influence of governance on science and technology governance is evident. This study sought to provide a clearer picture of the complex and multifaceted field of science and technology governance in Iran by examining concepts, conceptual relationships, and the network structure of this domain. The significance of this research lies in providing a foundation for better decision-making and informed policymaking in this area. This study represents a small but significant step toward a deeper understanding of the concepts of science and technology governance.

Keywords

References

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Academic Librarianship and Information Research
Volume 59, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 1-24

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