China Leads in Natural Science Publications and Highly Cited Papers, According to NISTEP Report
Tokyo, Japan – August 15, 2025 – The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has reported on a recent publication by the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP) that highlights China’s significant advancements in scientific research. The NISTEP report, released today, indicates that China has secured the top position in both the total number of published natural science papers and the number of highly cited papers, signaling a growing dominance in global scientific output.
The findings, based on an analysis of scientific research trends, underscore China’s substantial investment and strategic focus on developing its scientific capabilities. The report’s data, which likely spans recent years, provides a comprehensive overview of the global research landscape.
Key Findings of the NISTEP Report:
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Leading Publication Volume: China has surpassed all other nations in the sheer volume of natural science papers published. This indicates a robust and prolific research community actively contributing to the global body of scientific knowledge across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental sciences.
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High Impact Research: Crucially, China has also emerged as the leader in “highly cited papers.” This metric is often used as a proxy for research impact and influence, indicating that Chinese research is not only abundant but also recognized by the international scientific community for its quality and significance. Papers that are frequently cited are those that often introduce novel concepts, develop important methodologies, or present groundbreaking discoveries.
This dual leadership in publication quantity and citation impact suggests that China is not only producing a large amount of research but also producing research that is influencing the direction of scientific inquiry worldwide.
Implications for Global Science and Innovation:
The NISTEP report’s findings carry significant implications for the global scientific and innovation ecosystem. China’s ascendancy in natural sciences points to several key trends:
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Increased R&D Investment: It is highly probable that China has made substantial and sustained investments in research and development, including funding for universities, research institutions, and individual researchers. This financial commitment is a critical driver for increased scientific output.
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Talent Development and Attraction: The report also suggests success in nurturing and attracting scientific talent. China’s ability to produce a high volume of impactful research likely stems from a strong emphasis on science education, training, and potentially, policies designed to retain and attract top researchers.
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Strategic Research Priorities: China may be strategically focusing its research efforts on areas of scientific and economic importance, aligning its research agenda with national development goals and global challenges.
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International Collaboration and Influence: While the report focuses on China’s output, its leading position in highly cited papers also suggests a growing network of international collaboration and increasing influence within the global scientific community.
Considerations for Other Nations:
For nations that have historically been at the forefront of scientific research, such as Japan, the United States, and European countries, these findings serve as an important benchmark. Understanding the factors contributing to China’s success will be crucial for re-evaluating and potentially adjusting national strategies related to scientific research, education, and international collaboration.
JETRO’s dissemination of this NISTEP report aims to inform businesses and policymakers about evolving global trends in science and technology, enabling them to make informed decisions and adapt to the changing research landscape. The report’s insights are valuable for understanding the future direction of innovation and the competitive environment in the global scientific arena.
中国、自然科学の論文数、注目論文数で1位、NISTEPが発表
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