Relationship between pesticide research output and GDP: a socio-economic analysis
Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication
ISSN: 2514-9342
Article publication date: 26 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The focus of this study was to evaluate the relationship between research publications in the pesticide field, a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita. The study aims to analyze pesticide use in association with a country’s population and research publications. The purpose of this study is to uncover the country’s contribution to pesticide research and assess the financial resources allocated to it as a percentage of their GDP by exploring these factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The Web of Science database was used to retrieve data for the period of 2001–2020. The use of scientometric indicators allowed for the analysis of the collaborative patterns and active performance of countries in pesticide research. Socio-economic analysis was used to determine the contribution of countries toward pesticide research.
Findings
This study demonstrated a strong association (0.952%) between a country’s GDP and its research publications in the field of pesticide research. Countries, such as Denmark, Belgium and Australia, have benefited from global collaboration, which has enhanced their research efforts. Despite ranking lower in pesticide utilization, India focused on pesticide research, as indicated by its high publication/GDP per capita ratio (0.26).
Originality/value
Research on pesticides directly impacts agricultural practices, which, in turn, influence the economic production of the agricultural sector. Changes in pesticide usage can have inference for crop yields, food price and, eventually, the GDP. Comparative analysis can assist in evaluating the efficiency of regulatory policies in balancing ecological concerns with economic interests. Changes in regulations may impact both pesticide usage and economic outcomes.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding statement: This article is part of the authors’ PhD work. The authors are highly grateful and would like to acknowledge the help and support received from Alagappa University Research Fund, Alagappa University, Karaikudi for monitoring them through this study.
Citation
Murugappan, S. and Ramalingam, J. (2024), "Relationship between pesticide research output and GDP: a socio-economic analysis", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-10-2023-0374
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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