Mapping the Material Research Productivity of DRDO
Abstract
This study intends to analyse the material research productivity of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and assess the impact, visibility, and joint patterns of its research output. The study is based on 4697 research papers within materials science, published by DRDO scientists and indexed in the Scopus database during the period 2000-2024. The objective of the study is to understand the growth, pattern and impact of materials research in DRDO. The method used to extract the bibliographic records associated with DRDO is based on keyword searches. The results show an annual growth rate of 11.31 % with 99,688 citations received and an average of 25.85 citations per paper. The analysis shows consistent growth in DRDO’s research output withinmaterials science, with substantial contributions in metals, alloys, composites, polymers, and ceramics. The research is highly interdisciplinary, reflecting collaborations through physics, chemistry, engineering, and applied sciences. Keyword and collaborative authorship mapping show strong intro-institutional collaboration as well as emerging global partnerships. The results also identify core journals, prolific authors, and leading institutions associated with DRDO’s materials research. This study detects trends, research hotspots and joint efforts networks that may help the DRDO strengthen its R&D strategies, foster wider academic-industry partnerships and enhance India’s impact in critical materials research.