The gap in scientific production between Andean countries: A longitudinal analysis of publications in Scopus (2000-2024)

García Sarria J.J.; Flórez Guzmán L.H.; Salazar Soplapuco J.L.; Acosta Miraval E.O.; Haro Zea K.L. · Iberoamerican Journal of Science Measurement and Communication (2026) · DOI: 10.47909/ijsmc.287

Resumen

Objective. The objective of this study was to examine the evolution and disparities in scientific production in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru between 2000 and 2024. The specific aims of this study were to identify the factors that explain the differences in volume, impact, and collaboration patterns. Design/Methodology/Approach. A longitudinal bibliometric approach was applied using the Scopus database. The analysis encompassed indicators of productivity, citation, international collaboration, and temporal growth, supplemented by a review of public policies and investment in research and development (R&D). Results/Discussion. Andean scientific production exhibited exponential growth, albeit with marked heterogeneity. Colombia solidified its standing as the regional leader, with a total of 207,998 documents recorded. Notably, Ecuador demonstrated the highest relative acceleration, with an increase of 756% from 2011 to 2020. Despite its relatively low volume, Bolivia obtained the highest citation average (27.42). The study revealed that investment in R&D, the existence of sustained scientific policies, and the intensity of international cooperation were determining factors in the divergent trajectories observed. Conclusions. The disparities among Andean countries can be attributed to a variety of structural and strategic factors. There is an evident necessity for a concerted and diversified array of public policies that encourage investment, fortify South-South cooperation, and nurture a more equitable and competitive regional scientific ecosystem. Originality/Value. This study presents the inaugural longitudinal and comparative bibliometric analysis of Andean scientific production, thereby offering empirical evidence to inform the development of public policies and regional integration strategies in science, technology, and innovation.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca