Decentralization of scientific activity. The major role of central regions: the case of Madrid
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/redc.2009.3.684Keywords:
Web of Science, regional collaboration, Madrid, network analysisAbstract
In recent years there has been an increasing trend towards the decentralization of Spanish scientific production, with Madrid gradually losing its dominant role. To examine this process, the present study raises a series of questions, such as which regions are most increasing their scientific output?, and what is the importance of cooperation with Madrid in this growth? Whether collaboration with Madrid contributes towards improving the impact and visibility of publications is also examined. To answer these questions, Spanish scientific production was analysed using the Web of Science international databases (period 2001-2005).The results show that the Valencia and Andalusia regions are those which have most increased their scientific production, but proportionally the most exceptional growth was achieved in Castilla-La Mancha. Although collaboration with Madrid is very significant, Catalonia is also an important region in this respect. However, cooperation with Madrid especially improved the impact and visibility of publications in the area of clinical medicine, and this region continues to be an important centre of scientific development, the support of which is vital to the growth of output in the smallest regions of Spain.
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