Publication indicators in Latin America revisited

This chapter discusses the implications of the structure and communication patterns of the Latin American scientific communities for the validity of publication indicators based exclusively on mainstream journal publication. Studies have suggested that scientists whose research is aimed toward advancing universal knowledge rather than the solution of local problems play a dominant role in science policy and funding decisions and in the construction of scientific excellence in the region. Mainstream publication, considered characteristic of quality scientific work, is highly favored by Latin American evaluation committees. For this reason, there is an urgent need to generate output indicators of quality work published in national and regional journals to give a more balanced picture of overall scientific achievements. Efforts made toward achieving this goal are discussed along with the need for further studies of the context and characteristics of science and technology in Latin America necessary for the generation of reliable and accurate indicators of regional activity.