RESEARCH PAPERS

Research on the Citation Network Characteristics of Application-Oriented Basic Research Paper from the Perspective of Technology Readiness Improvement

  • Wang Chun ,
  • Leng Fuhai
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  • 1 Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190;
    2 School of Public Policy and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049;
    3 National Science Library, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190;
    4 School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190
Pu Sitong, Master’s Candidate;Ma Jie, Professor, PhD, Doctoral Supervisor, Corresponding Author, E-mail: m-1j-1@163.com.

Received date: 2025-03-04

  Revised date: 2025-05-13

  Online published: 2026-04-30

Abstract

[Purpose/Significance] From the perspective of technology readiness improvement, this study adopts a three-phase evolution model of application-oriented basic research in chemical industry, dividing the paper citation network chronologically into three phases. By examining the structural characteristics and evolutionary patterns of the network from multiple angles, this article reveals the supporting mechanisms of application-oriented basic research for emerging technology directions, aiming to optimize technological innovation management and promote technological progress. [Method/Process] Taking lithium iron phosphate(LFP) battery technology as an example, this article conducted an empirical analysis through dynamic growth cumulative network topology analysis, community clustering of time-sliced subnets, cross-phase bipartite network knowledge flow analysis, and identification of three-phase paper characteristics in the entire network. [Result/Conclusion] The citation network structure of application-oriented basic research papers exhibits self-similarity, but the undirected self-similar structure is constrained by directed connections, which may impede technological innovation. Papers from the “technology integration and systematization phase” act as bridges connecting the “core technical research phase” and the “technological upgrading phase”. “Knowledge backtracking” helps overcome bottlenecks in technological readiness improvement. Research focuses across the three phases exhibit a “concentration-expansion-concentration” trend, with cross-phase citation patterns breaking the preferential attachment(rich-get-richer) mechanism. This study proposes network intervention strategies to foster technological innovation, emphasizing the importance of monitoring emerging core nodes with growing control and influence to preemptively address potential industrial restructuring risks. The findings provide critical decision-making references for optimizing R&D resource allocation and advancing the readiness of emerging technology directions.

Cite this article

Wang Chun , Leng Fuhai . Research on the Citation Network Characteristics of Application-Oriented Basic Research Paper from the Perspective of Technology Readiness Improvement[J]. Library and Information Service, 2026 , 70(9) : 42 -56 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2026.09.004

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