Is there currently a scientific revolution in scientometrics?

TL;DR

This paper argues that scientometrics is undergoing a scientific revolution characterized by a fundamental taxonomic change, expanding the concept of scientific impact to include societal influence.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that a revolutionary shift is happening in scientometrics, redefining impact to encompass societal effects.

Findings

Scientometrics is experiencing a taxonomic change.

The concept of scientific impact now includes societal influence.

A potential revolution in the field is underway.

Abstract

The author of this letter to the editor would like to set forth the argument that scientometrics is currently in a phase in which a taxonomic change, and hence a revolution, is taking place. One of the key terms in scientometrics is scientific impact which nowadays is understood to mean not only the impact on science but the impact on every area of society.