Characterizing the knowledge diffusion strength: A case for nanoscience and nanotechnology

Abstract

In this paper, the knowledge diffusion strength among disciplines was evaluated, with taking Nanoscience & Nanotecnology (N&N) as the example. Basing on the citation data in Journal Citation Reports 1998-2007 of N&N, the mutual-citation networks were constructed to investigate the diffusion strength among disciplines. A strong convergent character was found. Among all the nano-related subjects, Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, N&N, Electrical & Electronic and Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering provide at least eighty percent citation relations with N&N. And the promoting forces from the outside environment, including Material Science, Physics and Chemistry, make the foremost contributions to the development of N&N. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.