A Bibliometric Analysis of Romanian Educational Research in Web of Science: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Global Integration

Over the past 30 years, Romanian Educational Research (RER) has strived to enhance its global visibility. This study examines the evolution and structure of RER through a bibliometric analysis of 10,396 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1975 to 2024. The results reveal fluctuating productivity, with growth driven by national and international initiatives, and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conference papers dominate research output, while articles and reviews are less frequent. Although domestic sources offer valuable publication opportunities, increasing visibility in high-impact journals is essential for international recognition. Universities across various regions contribute significantly, with research intensive institutions producing the bulk of articles and reviews. Five primary research clusters emerged, including studies on student performance factors, digital transformation in education, curriculum development and students’ skills, competency-based education and teacher training, as well as advancements in teaching, learning, and assessment practices. The study highlights the importance of international collaborations, particularly with institutions in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, to boost the worldwide impact of Romanian research. These findings provide insights into the current state of RER and suggest that fostering international partnerships and leveraging local strengths can enhance its global presence and contribute to academic diversity.