Planning major national strategic topics for science and technology journals: Practice and reflection

Background: This study was aimed at exploring effective methods for scientific and technological journals to serve national innovation-driven development. It also examined major strategic demands in this respect and their effects on journal quality and influence. Methods: This study identified topics related to major national requirements and development strategies for science and technology from special issues planned and published in the Science & Technology Review, such as "Suggestions for the 14th Five-Year Plan" and "Strategic Scientists". Particular focus was directed to the effects and achievements of "Suggestions for the 14th Five-Year Plan", which were examined on the basis of data from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and other sources. Results: By pinpointing key time points for publication and focusing on major national strategic plans and requirements for science and technology, it is possible to attract leading experts in academia to independently or comprehensively participate in writing articles for journals. Such endeavors not only provide intellectual support for national innovation and development but also significantly increase the citation frequencies, download volumes, new media reading volumes, and reposting rates of journals. Conclusion: Focusing on major national strategic planning is integral to serving national innovation-driven development, promoting the development of disciplines, and cultivating excellent scientific talents. It also effectively improves the academic quality and social influence of scientific and technological journals.