SPECIAL TOPIC: Scientific Innovation and Knowledge Transformation from the Perspective of New Quality Productive Forces

Research on the Knowledge Evolution of Chinese Meritorious Scientists: Connotations, Characteristics, and Forms

  • Wu Zhixiang ,
  • Deng Hui ,
  • Zhu Xiaofeng ,
  • Zhang Wei ,
  • Wang Hao
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  • 1 School of Economics and Management, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816;
    2 School of Information Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210005;
    3 School of Information Management, Nanjing University, Nanjing 211023

Received date: 2025-01-13

  Revised date: 2025-05-17

  Online published: 2025-12-05

Supported by

This work is supported by the National Social Science Fund of China project titled “Research on Knowledge Association and Value Mining of Documentary Resources of Chinese Meritorious Scientists” (Grant No. 23CTQ027).

Abstract

[Purpose/Significance] Chinese meritorious scientists (CMS) not only outstanding contributions to the development of key national technologies but also carry the cultural genes of China’s excellent scientific traditions and thoughts. Studying the knowledge evolution in the life courses and the intrinsic relationships between the stages of their knowledge evolution is of great significance for a deeper understanding of this group. [Method/Process] This study focused on 27 CMS and used a procedural coding method based on grounded theory. From over 6 million words of biographical text, a theoretical framework of the knowledge evolution of Chinese meritorious scientists (KEoCMS) was synthesized and summarized. The study then analyzed the connotations, characteristics, and the transformations of knowledge forms and values during the evolution process. [Result/Conclusion] The stages of knowledge evolution in CMS include knowledge absorption, knowledge creation, knowledge application, knowledge inheritance, and knowledge penetration. These stages exhibit nonlinear characteristics, such as temporal overlap, causal interaction, and intergenerational flow. The transformations of knowledge forms, functions, and values during the evolution reflect the epistemic significance, historical relevance, and lasting impact of CMS’s contributions. This research has reference value for inspiring new studies on Chinese scientists, cultivating contemporary outstanding scientific talents, and organizing new narratives about the stories of Chinese scientists.

Cite this article

Wu Zhixiang , Deng Hui , Zhu Xiaofeng , Zhang Wei , Wang Hao . Research on the Knowledge Evolution of Chinese Meritorious Scientists: Connotations, Characteristics, and Forms[J]. Library and Information Service, 2025 , 69(24) : 4 -15 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2025.24.001

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