A Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Research Management Literature in China’s Core Journals (2005–24): Trends, Hot Spots, and Influencing Factors

Abstract

This study examines core journal publications in China’s scientific research management, as indexed in the Chinese Citation Database, to identify developmental trends, journal influence, key research themes, contributions from authors and institutions, and the role of funding support. It is important to note that the findings reflect trends within the Chinese context rather than global trends, ultimately aiming to provide actionable references for research management practices in China and comparable contexts. Data were retrieved from the China Citation Database, with 18,799 documents and 294,052 citations retained following rigorous screening; bibliometric methods formed the core analytical framework. A multidimensional bibliometric analysis was conducted, encompassing the examination of publication trends, citation patterns, and high-frequency keywords, as well as the assessment of the impact of authors, institutions, and funding sources. This comprehensive approach sought to identify the key drivers shaping the field’s evolution. The findings revealed fluctuations in publication volumes, with peak outputs recorded in 2009, 2013, and 2020. Citation metrics, by contrast, exhibited significant variability, fluctuating between 2010 and 2015 before entering a downward trajectory from 2015 to 2023. Studies in Science of Science ranked highest in citation counts, whereas specific journals with high publication volumes had low citation shares. Core research keywords included innovation, knowledge management, and evaluation systems. Notably, collaborative research among authors enhanced scholarly impact, as illustrated by the work of the Chen Chaomei team. Additionally, the National Natural Science Foundation and the National Social Science Foundation stood out for both their funding scale and the strong citation performance of the research they supported, underscoring the strategic value of their funding initiatives. Leveraging large-scale data and multidimensional analysis, this study delineates the academic landscape of China’s research management field, providing valuable decision-making support to optimize research management mechanisms, advance academic progress, and inform scholarly publishing practices.