Strategic analysis of Spanish scientific production by field: Natural, Medical and Life Sciences

Abstract

Research is a fundamental mission of the university that determines scientific production which, in turn, is associated with social and economic development. Bibliometric indicators provide a measure of scientific production. On the other hand, the measurement of said production distinguishing by fields and subjects is much more useful and allows to know interesting details for the management, both of a university and of a university system. Using the bibliometric indicators of the ARWU ranking, it is analyzed by fields and subjects with special emphasis on Spanish universities. The strong and weak points are identified by subject in terms of volume and quality of production, impact, recognition and international collaboration, as well as the international positioning of Spanish universities. Management recommenda-tions are derived from all of this.