An experiment in science mapping for research planning
Research Policy, 15 (5):
233-251 (1986)DOI: DOI: 10.1016/0048-7333(86)90024-7
Abstract
This paper considers the recent attempt of the U.K. Advisory Board for the Research Councils to test the usefulness of various citation, co-citation and co-word bibliographic analysis techniques for evaluating the stale of various scientific disciplines, including potential areas for useful investment; and in general as an aid to research planning by science policy-makers in a period of steady (or even relatively declining) resources. Results of a study involving the examination of five important scientific fields are considered, and discussion focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.