Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- Ali Abdul Hadi Muhammad Al-Tamimi 1
- Afshin Hamdipour 2
- Hashem Atapour 2
- Jaffar Hassan Jassem Al-Taie 3
1 Department of knowledge and information science, University of Tabriz. Tabriz, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of knowledge and information science, University of Tabriz. Tabriz, Iran
3 Assistant Professor. Department of computers, College of Basic Education, University of Diyala, Iraq
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to examine the scientific landscape of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-related research in Middle Eastern countries and compare it with global research output. It analyzes publication trends, growth patterns, thematic distribution across the 17 SDGs, international collaboration networks, and funding agencies.
Methodology: A scientometric analysis was conducted using SDG-related publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (2015–2025), comprising 148,774 global and 15,388 Middle Eastern records. Publications were retrieved through a predefined SDG search strategy, classified by SDGs and Web of Science subject categories, and analyzed using full counting based on authors' affiliations. VOSviewer and Excel were used for citation, collaboration, and growth analyses, with CAGR and Association Strength normalization applied.
Findings: Middle Eastern SDG research showed a 36.39% CAGR, increasing from 1.31% in 2015 to 24.48% in 2025, surpassing the global growth trend after 2023. Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Iran were the most productive countries, while Iraq, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar demonstrated the fastest growth. Regional research emphasized SDGs 7, 8, 9, and 12, whereas SDGs 2, 4, 5, 14, and 15 remained underrepresented. International collaboration was strongest with China, India, the USA, and the UK.
Conclusion: Despite rapid growth, substantial disparities in research productivity, collaboration, and scientific impact persist across Middle Eastern countries, highlighting the need for stronger regional collaboration and targeted research investment.
Value: This study offers a comparative scientometric mapping of SDG research in the Middle Eastern region, providing evidence to understand research structures and guide future priorities.
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