15 July 2004
Scientific wealth of nations
Chronic global inequalities in scientific productivity are highlighted in an analysis published this week by David King, chief scientific adviser to the UK government. Just 31 nations account for the top 1% of highly cited publications. South Africa, in 30th place, is the only African nation, and Iran, in 31st place, is the only Islamic nation, despite the high GDP of many Islamic countries. Sustainable economic development in highly competitive world markets, warns King, requires a more direct engagement in the generation of knowledge in these countries. With a nod to an article of similar scope by his predecessor Robert May (Science 275, 793–796; 1997), King looks at what different countries get for their research spending. King also highlights contrasting national strengths in various scientific disciplines within Europe — and the growing strength of the region as a whole.
The scientific impact of nations
DAVID A. KING
What different countries get for their research spending.
Nature 430, 311–316 (2004); doi:10.1038/430311a
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