Challenges for scientometric indicators: Data demining, knowledge-flow measurements and diversity issues

Abstract

Scientometrics and bibliometrics are being forced to respond to a strong increase in demand (e.g. research-assessment practices, economics of science & technology, and innovation) and new forms of supply (e.g. availability of publication sources and statistics, Internet developments and online tools). This situation results in contrasting perspectives: on the one hand, it can favour spectacular 'hit-parades' and some veneration of numbers; on the other hand, it paves the way for more cautious and sophisticated evaluation systems, rooted in a better understanding of the dynamics of science. This paper describes some of the challenges for bibliometric indicators (data 'demining', knowledge-flow measurements and diversity issues) underlying, among other applications, reliable evaluation procedures. Responding to these challenges is necessary to promote a better use of scientometrics, although there are no guarantees against misuse in decision-making contexts. A few open issues are outlined on the dynamics of science, challenges of the web age, and interactions between scientometrics and scientific communities. © Inter-Research 2008.