Comparing publication profiles of Finnish universities, state research institutes and universities of applied sciences

This is a revised version of a paper submitted and accepted for oral presentation at the STI2024 conference. In this study we use eight field-normalised indicators to analyse publication profiles of Finnish universities, state research institutes and universities of applied sciences across major fields of science. Data consists of 162,362 publications (years 2019–2021) from the national VIRTA publication information service. Results indicate that the three research sectors differ considerably in their publication profiles. While universities of applied sciences are more distinct from universities and state research institutes overall, analysis by fields of research shows also variation between all sectors. Field-normalised indicators show that differences with regard to science communication, multilingualism and bibliodiversity, as well as domestic publishing and collaboration are mission driven rather than based on distinct field profiles. Publication data across sectors improves our understanding of heterogeneity of institutional landscape across fields of science. We conclude that assessment and funding criteria need to consider the mission of the institutions and the institutional background of individual researchers.