Assessing the diffusion of nanotechnology in Turkey: A social network analysis approach

Abstract

According to the United Nations, nanotechnology is one of the emerging research fields which will have a positive impact on both developing and developed countries. For example, nanotechnology is used for water purification in poor countries. On the other hand, it is used in developed countries (rich) to manufacture better computer devices. Nanotechnology is a part of the strategic plan for each developing country. For example, the 7th European Union Scientific Framework (EUSF) has invested tremendously in nanotechnology since 2000. The Turkish government also has adopted a new approach by becoming part of the EUSF and has invested heavily in research and development. Focusing on an invisible college in the scientific community in Turkey, this study aims to evaluate the diffusion of nanotechnology among scientists. Using social network analysis metrics, we identified and analyzed the role and status of scientists in the two most prominent universities (Hacettepe University & Bilkent University) regarding nano-related technologies diffusion in Turkey. We found that co-authorship across the two universities is minimal, even in subject area research in both universities. However, the number of nano-related articles have increased exponentially in past decade in Turkey. Furthermore, a co-word analysis revealed the scientific trends in both universities. Keywords description revealed that the scientific trends in Hacettepe University are mostly nano biomedical research oriented whereas in Bilkent University scientific trends are metallurgical oriented in nano-related technologies. Data were derived from Thomson Reuters’ Web of Science (WoS) version 4 database and CiteSpace was used to map the co-author network structure.