Measuring Knowledge Diffusion: A Network Analysis of Open-Access Scientific Publications

Abstract

Aim: In the era of digital scholarship and increasing global connectivity, the Open-Access (OA) publishing model has significantly transformed how scientific knowledge is disseminated and accessed. By eliminating traditional barriers to scholarly communication, OA publications facilitate the rapid and widespread sharing of research findings. This research examines the diffusion of knowledge within OA scientific publications through the application of network analysis techniques. Methodology: Grounded in social network theory and the diffusion of innovation framework, the research investigates the structural and dynamic characteristics of scholarly communication using a dataset of 1,672 OA documents drawn from a wide range of publications. Key bibliometric indicators such as total link strength, citation counts, and collaboration intensity are analyzed to identify influential authors, institutions, and countries that plays a pivotal role in knowledge dissemination. Result: This research was explored through co-occurrence analysis of author and index keywords, revealing dominant research areas, such as knowledge diffusion, innovation, bibliometrics, and scientific impact. Furthermore, bibliographic coupling and co-citation analyses are employed to map the intellectual structure of the field and highlight emerging interdisciplinary intersections. The research demonstrates that OA publishing enhances the visibility of research, accelerates scientific collaboration, and promotes global knowledge exchange. Conclusion: This network analysis offers valuable insights into the circulation of scientific knowledge in OA environments and emphasizes the critical role of accessibility in advancing research development, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.