Influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors on scientific production: a statistical analysis of the h-index

This paper studies cultural and socioeconomic factors that contribute to the scientific output of different countries. Specifically, taking into account the influential Hofstede’s model, we assess the impact of cultural dimensions on the h-index. Results show the h-index is connected to the Gross Domestic Product of each nation, the degree to which individuals are dependent upon one another, the total number of researchers, and the gender roles prevalent in a specific country. A classification of the examined countries was accomplished by factoring in the significant variables, determining the characteristics shared by each group in accordance with their h-index, and singling out the distinguished Group of Seven and the Scandinavia group as particularly noteworthy examples. This study provides valuable insights for governments and policymakers, emphasizing the significance of these cultural factors in guiding countries toward excellence in science.