POLICY-DRIVEN SUCCESS IN UNIVERSITY RESEARCH: A BIBLIOMETRIC CASE STUDY OF DONG THAP UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM

Abstract

Scientific research activities and international publication output are crucial to fulfilling the mission and vision of many universities around the world. This study investigates the impact of research support policies on the scientific productivity and international visibility of Dong Thap University (DThU), a public university in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Using a bibliometric analysis of 644 Web of Science-indexed publications (2003–2025), the study maps publication trends, author productivity, collaboration patterns, research topics, funding sources, and contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results reveal a sharp increase in international publications following the introduction and subsequent enhancement of institutional research policies in 2012 – 2013 and 2022 – 2023 at DThU (e.g., financial incentives for international publications, internal research grants, travel and training support, and substantial investment in research infrastructure). Scientific output is concentrated in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and materials science, with notable but still limited expansion into the social sciences and SDG-relevant research. The analysis identifies a small group of highly productive authors, increasing international collaboration, and a diversified funding landscape led by national and private agencies. However, social-human sciences and some SDGs remain underrepresented. The findings highlight the effectiveness of targeted university policies in accelerating research development, with implications for policy and management at other public universities in Vietnam and similar contexts.