The balance of knowledge flows

TL;DR

This paper proposes a 'balance of knowledge flows' (BKF) to measure global scientific knowledge exchanges using bibliometric data, providing a new tool for science policy analysis.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of BKF, a novel bibliometric-based framework for quantifying international scientific knowledge flows and demonstrates its empirical application across four countries.

Findings

BKF effectively captures knowledge exchange patterns.

The framework can inform science and technology policy reports.

Empirical testing shows the method's feasibility and relevance.

Abstract

In analogy to the technology balance of payments, in this paper we propose a possible way to set up a "balance of knowledge flows" (BKF), recording world flows of knowledge within the scientific community. Adopting a pure bibliometric approach, the "knowledge" traced in the BKF is that produced and exchanged by the scientific community by means of publications and relevant citations. A description of the theoretical foundation of such a tool is presented together with its empirical testing over the scientific production of four different countries. The BKF can be part of yearly reports of science and technology indicators, aimed at informing research policy.