Documentation, Informaiton & Knowledge ›› 2025, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (1): 29-43.doi: 10.13366/j.dik.2025.01.029

• Interpretation and Practice of the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC:Enhancing the Policy Impact of Academic Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

How to Enhance the International Policy Impact of Chinese Academic Papers: A Strategic Study Based on Multidimensional Quantitative Characteristics Analysis

CAO Zhe1,2 , ZHANG Lin1,2 , SHANG Yuanyuan3   

  1. 1. School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072;
    2. Center for Science, Technology & Education Assessment, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072;
    3. Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Evaluation Studies, Beijing, 100732
  • Online:2025-01-10 Published:2025-03-19
  • Contact: Correspondence should be addressed to ZHANG Lin, Email: linzhang1117@whu.edu.cn, ORCID: 0000-0003-0526-9677
  • Supported by:
    This is an outcome of the project "From Indicators to Indicating: Outcome Classification, Collaboration Patterns, and Impact Diffusion of Interdisciplinary Research"(72374160)and the Special Project "Identifying and Monitoring the Contribution of Scientific Grants to the Development of Basic Research"(L2224005)supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Abstract: [Purpose/Significance] This study explores the strategies through which Chinese academic papers influence international policy-making, aiming to provide insights for enhancing China's role in global policy governance. [Design/Methodology] Drawing on Lasswell's "5W" model of communication, this study constructs a theoretical framework for examining the impact of scientific research on policy-making. Using Chinese academic papers cited in policy documents released by United Nations as research samples, the analysis delves into the characteristics from three key perspectives: the producing entities, research content, and dissemination carriers. [Findings/Conclusion] Regarding producing entities, a significant proportion of the sample papers set are produced by non-university institutions, with notable collaboration between Chinese and international institutions. In terms of research content, the distribution of disciplines and sub-themes in the sample papers show a strong demand orientation. As for dissemination carriers, papers published in top international academic journals and those focused on addressing real-world problems and providing policy support are more likely to influence policy-making. However, Chinese institutions have limited publications in high-policy-visibility journals. [Originality/Value] This study constructs a "5W" analytical framework for examining the impact of scientific research on policy-making and conducts an empirical analysis. It offers three recommendations: matching institutional characteristics with policy service goals, leveraging the power of journals to enhance the visibility of research results in the policy arena, and strengthening the cultivation of collaboration with major international institutions and the involvement opportunities of Chinese scholars in these institutions.

Keywords: Policy impact, Chinese academic paper, United Nations policy, Scientometric analysis