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Saudi Arabia research: academic insights and trend analysis

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Abstract

Bibliometric studies are increasingly employed for research assessment by using statistical methods to analyze scientific outputs and impacts. The main objective of this study is to investigate the research performance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with a focus on KSA’s most productive universities. The study describes the research profile of KSA in terms of productivity, scientific impact, and collaboration dimensions. We evaluated the scientific activities of KSA from the period 2011 to 2020 and identified the most productive universities by considering the average national production, analyzing data year by year and identifying research trends. In addition, we examined and compared different collaboration patterns in KSA to understand researchers’ directions and interests in possible national areas of research going forward. The implication of our study is to provide evidence-based highlights (empirical pieces of evidence) to researchers and policymakers through our analyses of research in KSA.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the help and support provided by King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) through funding for project number DF191012.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computer Science & Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, 31261, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Hamdi A. Al-Jamimi & Galal M. BinMakhashen

  2. Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, 31261, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Hamdi A. Al-Jamimi & Galal M. BinMakhashen

  3. Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Heisenbergstr. 1, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    Lutz Bornmann

  4. Science Policy and Strategy Department, Administrative Headquarters of the Max Planck Society, Hofgartenstr. 8, 80539, Munich, Germany

    Lutz Bornmann

  5. Systems Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, 31261, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Yousif Ahmed Al Wajih

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  1. Hamdi A. Al-Jamimi
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Al-Jamimi, H.A., BinMakhashen, G.M., Bornmann, L. et al. Saudi Arabia research: academic insights and trend analysis. Scientometrics 128, 5595–5627 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-023-04797-0

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