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The global geography of artificial intelligence in life science research

Author

Listed:
  • Leo Schmallenbach

    (University of Mannheim)

  • Till W. Bärnighausen

    (Heidelberg University
    Harvard University
    Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI))

  • Marc J. Lerchenmueller

    (University of Mannheim
    Leibniz Center for European Economic Research (ZEW))

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to transform medicine, but the geographic concentration of AI expertize may hinder its equitable application. We analyze 397,967 AI life science research publications from 2000 to 2022 and 14.5 million associated citations, creating a global atlas that distinguishes productivity (i.e., publications), quality-adjusted productivity (i.e., publications stratified by field-normalized rankings of publishing outlets), and relevance (i.e., citations). While Asia leads in total publications, Northern America and Europe contribute most of the AI research appearing in high-ranking outlets, generating up to 50% more citations than other regions. At the global level, international collaborations produce more impactful research, but have stagnated relative to national research efforts. Our findings suggest that greater integration of global expertize could help AI deliver on its promise and contribute to better global health.

Suggested Citation

  • Leo Schmallenbach & Till W. Bärnighausen & Marc J. Lerchenmueller, 2024. "The global geography of artificial intelligence in life science research," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-51714-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51714-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. João M. Fernandes & António Costa & Paulo Cortez, 2022. "Author placement in Computer Science: a study based on the careers of ACM Fellows," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 127(1), pages 351-368, January.
    2. Lerchenmueller, Marc J. & Sorenson, Olav, 2018. "The gender gap in early career transitions in the life sciences," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(6), pages 1007-1017.
    3. Jonathan Adams, 2013. "The fourth age of research," Nature, Nature, vol. 497(7451), pages 557-560, May.
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