Mapping cultural policy research in the European Union: A bibliometric analysis of collaboration and thematic structures (1990–2024)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47909/ijsmc.320

Keywords:

cultural policy, European Union, bibliometric analysis, research collaboration, creative industries, cultural heritage

Abstract

Objective. The objective of the study was to provide a comprehensive characterization of the scientific contributions of European Union (EU) within the domain of cultural policy. To this end, a bibliometric analysis was conducted, which facilitated the identification of collaborative patterns among authors, institutions, countries, and thematic clusters within the field.

Design/Methodology/Approach. A total of 1,148 documents were retrieved from OpenAlex, encompassing articles and reviews published between 1990 and 2024. A standardized approach was employed, encompassing authors, institutions, countries, and concepts. Indicators of co-authorship, international collaboration, institutional cooperation, and concept co-occurrence were utilized. 

Results/Discussion. The findings indicated that scientific production was concentrated in specific countries and institutions, with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands serving as key players in the collaboration networks. The primary co-authorship structures were organized into clear clusters, led by Joaquim Rius-Ulldemolins, Kate Oakley, Anita Kangas, and Mariano Martín Zamorano, each centered around particular themes. The institutional network reflected these patterns, while the co-occurrence of concepts highlighted an interdisciplinary field structured around broad thematic areas such as cultural policy, cultural identity, creative industries, and cultural heritage. 

Conclusions. The study confirms the growth of cultural policy as a research area in Europe, although variations in collaboration and scientific production are evident.

Originality/Value. This study provides a comprehensive overview of European research in cultural policy, offering a unique synthesis of analyses from authors, institutions, countries, and concepts derived from an extensive open database. The value of this study lies in its demonstration of the structuring of the socio-intellectual field of cultural policy in the EU, the provision of empirical data for comparative studies, and the strengthening of academic communities in this field.

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Published

2026-01-06

How to Cite

Makhmetov, T., Kushkumbayev, S., & Nuraly, A. (2026). Mapping cultural policy research in the European Union: A bibliometric analysis of collaboration and thematic structures (1990–2024). Iberoamerican Journal of Science Measurement and Communication, 6(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.47909/ijsmc.320

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Original article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Temirlan Makhmetov, Sanat Kushkumbayev, Asima Nuraly

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