Trends in Cuban research output: publications and patents

Abstract: Cuban science and technology are known for important achievements, particularly in human healthcare and biotechnology. During the second half of XX century, the country developed a system of scientific institutions to address and solve major economical, cultural, social and health problems. However, the economic crisis faced by the island during the last three decades has had a major impact in Cuban scientific research. In addition to decreased investment, the emigration of thousands of young as well as senior scientists to other countries have had a major impact in Cuban research output. To date, no systematic analysis regarding scientific publications, citations, or patents granted to Cuban authors during this period, are available. Here, an analysis of Cuban scientific production since 1970, with an especial focus on the last three decades (1990 - 2019), is provided. All national metrics are compared with other countries, emphasizing those from Latin America. Preliminary results show that Cuban scientific publications are increased at a lower rate (two-fold) compare with several Latin American countries (five-fold average). In addition, since 2014 the annual number of Cuban scientific publications is decreasing. Finally, the analysis shows that most young Cuban authors with the higher index of citations (1990-2019) are working abroad. All the data and the code related to this study are open and can be found in GitHub (https://github.com/ypriverol/cubascience).