Bibliometric analysis: a powerful tool for supporting research in engineering

Abstract

Dear editor,Communication of scientific knowledge is key in the scientific method, and it is necessary for the advance of science and technology. The rapid advance of ICTs has had a tremendous impact on science communication. This is clearly reflected by the exponential increase in the number of scientific publications worldwide in the last five decades. The highest contribution numbers belong to the industrialized economies, given their high investment rates in education, science, technology