Producción, productividad, presupuesto y orientación temática de la ciencia y la tecnología en Argentina, 2004-2020

This article analyses the evolution of Argentina’s scientific production between 2004 and 2020, comparing it with that of one of its most important institutions, conicet. This comparison is intended to shed light on the role of conicet in the national science and technology (S&T) system, as well as providing insights into the country’s science evaluation and promotion policies. Attention is given to the quantitative aspects of the evolution of scientific production, as well as to human resources and budgets. The thematic orientation of research during this period is also analyzed. Among the results, a modest scientific system is observed, lagging behind in its dynamics compared to countries with similar relative development. Notably, the positive budgetary dynamics during this period do not clearly correlate with productivity dynamics. In terms of thematic areas, there has been a slight reorientation of the system towards the social sciences and medicine, alongside the growth of alternative publication channels. All dynamics are more intense within conicet, which emerges as a slightly more productive subsystem with a greater reorientation towards the aforementioned topics.