Opportunities, challenges, and countermeasures for China to develop world-class science and technology journals

Abstract

Science and technology (sci-tech) journals carry on human civilization, gather scientific discoveries, and lead scientific and technological development, directly embodying the competitiveness in terms of science and technology and cultural soft power of a nation. Developing world-class sci-tech journals requires in-depth analysis of the connotational features and laws of development of such journals, a comprehensive review of the development stage and context of sci-tech journals in China, and an accurate understanding of opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, such an endeavor requires the specification of development directions and identification of development paths. This paper emphasizes the academic value, social value, and governance capability of sci-tech journals from the perspective of ecosystem thinking. The core values of world-class sci-tech journals are publishing excellent research results with creative ideas, pushing the social progress, moulding the journal brand, and managing successfully. The science and technology revolution, industrial transformation, high-level scientific research talents, and bonuses from theses have opened important opportunities for China to build world-class sci-tech journals. Simultaneously, many challenges exist such as limited international influence, relatively low level of intensive marketization, lack of independent digital platforms, lack of high-level talents, and academic imbalance. The following targeted measures are recommended for China to develop world-class sci-tech journals: Firstly, adhere to the principle of “Five Coordinations” in implementing action plans for the excellence of China sci-tech journals, that is, coordinating (a) short-term goals and long-term planning; (b) various types of journals, such as those pertaining to fundamental and frontier sciences, engineering technology, and popular science; (c) Chinese and English journals; (d) reforms of the journals and improvement of external environments; and (e) resources such as those from the government, academic associations, colleges and universities, scientific research institutions, publishing groups, enterprises, and social forces. Secondly, focus efforts on the “Five Directions” by (a) focusing on key fields as the starting point, (b) bringing the efficacy of journal clusters in inspiring others to prominence, (c) providing full play to the promotional effect of digital platforms, (d) garnering multi-dimensional social resources, and (e) advancing evaluation-oriented reforms.Thirdly, enhance the “Five Capabilities”, namely, the capability (a) to absorb innovative resources globally, (b) to provide professional services in relation to the academic community, (c) to meet the needs of information services via digital transformation, (d) to compete in the international publishing market, and (e) to coordinate with the international publishing industry to strengthen scientific and technological governance.