Dynamics of scientific specialization: Latin America, dynamism and catching-up or inertia without visibility?

Abstract

A considerable number of papers show that mature scientific systems have inert profiles, while developing systems, particularly in Asia and Latin America, show dynamic profiles with rapid changes in specialization. This paper shows that this view of the dynamism in specialization profiles is, at least, biased. Indeed, the measure of distance used to calculate structural changes in scientific specialization is strongly influenced by the volume of scientific publications. Once the bias due to volume has been eliminated, the view of the dynamics in specialization changes radically. Some countries with mature systems appear strongly dynamic while Latin American countries are inert. Excessive flexibility (strong structural change) could be detrimental to the continuity of programs and therefore to the achievement of the objectives set, but excessive rigidity could also mean that inertia could be detrimental to the demands of the scientific system itself, to societal demands and to new opportunities. On the contrary, inertia could also be a strength, if it contributes to displace the frontier of knowledge in the area of specialization. The paper measures international visibility as an indicator of the performance of systems (inert or with major radical changes in specialization), and concludes that Latin America (and particularly the large countries of the region, Argentina and Mexico) are not only strongly inert, but also have very little international visibility (Argentina, Brazil and Mexico).