Current Challenges in Multi-scale Scholarly Communication: The Institutional Capacities of Universidad Nacional de San Juan

Abstract

The discussion about developments in science, technology, and innovation both globally and specifically in the so-called “countries of the Global South” has recently gained special relevance. This paper, in particular, aims to contribute to the debate on the different North–South and South–South interactions within the realm of scientific production. Therefore, building on the conceptual framework derived from the paradigm of multi-scale dissemination of scientific knowledge, this study characterizes the institutional capacities for scientific publication within the Universidad Nacional de San Juan—an academic institution that is part of the Argentinian university system. The employed methodological design is based on a synchronic case study and uses a specific set of indicators from the well-known Manual de Cuyo. As sources of information, the study considers several documents and scientific publications from the university, as well as an ad hoc database. Among the most significant findings of this study is the distinctive importance placed by the social sciences and humanities on scientific publishing. This has resulted in journals being directed towards national and Latin-American publishing circuits due to their indexing and language choices. Additionally, the recent establishment of an institutional repository at the university under analysis would contribute to enhancing the dissemination of the scientific publications written by its academics in the local, national, and international spheres.