Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
523220 | Journal of Informetrics | 2013 | 16 Pages |
We use a trading metaphor to study knowledge transfer in the sciences as well as the social sciences. The metaphor comprises four dimensions: (a) Discipline Self-dependence, (b) Knowledge Exports/Imports, (c) Scientific Trading Dynamics, and (d) Scientific Trading Impact. This framework is applied to a dataset of 221 Web of Science subject categories. We find that: (i) the Scientific Trading Impact and Dynamics of materials science and transportation science have increased; (ii) biomedical disciplines, physics, and mathematics are significant knowledge exporters, as is statistics and probability; (iii) in the social sciences, economics, business, psychology, management, and sociology are important knowledge exporters; and (iv) Discipline Self-dependence is associated with specialized domains which have ties to professional practice (e.g., law, ophthalmology, dentistry, oral surgery and medicine, psychology, psychoanalysis, veterinary sciences, and nursing).
► We use a trading metaphor to study knowledge transfer in both the sciences and social sciences. ► The Scientific Trading Impact and Dynamics of materials science and transportation science have increased. ► Biomedical disciplines, physics, and mathematics are significant knowledge exporters. ► In the social sciences, economics, business, psychology, management, and sociology are important knowledge exporters. ► Discipline Self-dependence is associated with specialized domains which have ties to professional practice.