International Journal of Information Science and Management (IJISM)

Mapping the Research Activity Alignment of Iran’s Top Two Percent Highly Cited Scientists with the Priorities in Iran’s Science and Technology Roadmap

Document Type : Articles

Authors

Saeideh Mirhaghjoo Langeroudi 1
Fatemeh Alinezhad Chamazkoti 2

1 Department of Science and Technology Evaluation, Islamic World Science and Technology Monitoring and Citation Institute (ISC). Iran

2 Department of Science and Technology Evaluation, Islamic World Science and Technology Monitoring and Citation Institute (ISC). Iran.

10.22034/ijism.2026.2054837.1756
Abstract
 
This study examines the alignment between the research domains of Iran’s highly cited scientists and the priorities outlined in the Science and Technology Roadmap. Additionally, it examines patterns of scientific collaboration, the h-index, and the quality of scholarly journals across various impact levels within prioritized research areas. This applied descriptive study employs a scientometric approach to analyze the research output of Iran’s highly cited scientists indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Data collection was conducted using Microsoft Excel, and statistical analyses—including independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analysis—were performed using SPSS software. Findings indicate a significant alignment between the research activities of highly cited Iranian scientists and the priority areas defined in the Science and Technology Roadmap. Specifically, 78.6% of technology-related articles correspond with the roadmap’s strategic priorities, reflecting researchers’ attention to national needs and key challenges. Despite this strong alignment across technological fields, certain research areas remain underrepresented and warrant greater emphasis. Furthermore, the study finds that alignment with national priorities does not have a significant impact on researchers’ h-index or international collaborations. Given that governments play a pivotal role in policymaking and shaping national strategic documents, ensuring that scientific capabilities are directed toward addressing national demands is essential. Aligning research activities with national priorities is crucial for enhancing a country’s scientific impact and fostering sustainable development. This study identifies gaps in research focus and evaluates the extent to which the scientific contributions of Iran’s top 2% of highly cited researchers align with national strategic objectives.
 

Keywords

Science and Technology Roadmap
Highly Cited Iranian Researchers
Journal Quality
H-index
International Collaboration
Scientometric Analysis

Subjects

 
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International Journal of Information Science and Management (IJISM)
Volume 24, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 181-198

  • Receive Date 02 March 2025
  • Accept Date 10 February 2026

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