Publication Performance and Trends in Ontology Research in Computer Science Areas: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Ontologies play a significant role in knowledge structure as they enable the exchange of information among various elements of AI. When fostering standardized data representations, ontologies contribute to knowledge organization and system interoperability. The current research investigates the evolution of the influence of ontology-based research from 1991 to 2022, using data from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIEXPANDED) database. It sheds light on the dynamic ontology research landscape and its contributions to the broader field of artificial intelligence. The study identified a total of 12,500 ontology-related articles, with the highest number of contributions from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Some of these papers are considered citation classics, serving as foundational pillars in the field or introducing valuable FAIR resources for ontology research. These citation classics are mainly developed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium. The article explores various aspects of ontology research, including document types, publication outputs, Web of Science categories, journals, reviews, countries, and research trends and surveys. The illustrative findings give insights into the ever-evolving nature of ontologies, research foci, and influential contributors, as the field of ontology research can help guide researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders, enabling them to harness the full potential of ontologies for advancing intelligent systems and knowledge management.