IMPACT OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS RESEARCH ON UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES

This research assesses how advancements in composites material research affect communities from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, using a dual track strategy to quantitatively and qualitatively examine their impact. A keyword-based classification algorithm was applied to a sample of research papers from ScienceDirect spanning the last 24 years to quantify which engineering industries benefit most from this research. The findings indicate that the construction industry benefits the most, followed by the automotive, defense, renewable energy, and biomedical sectors. A broader qualitative analysis of the social implications of these industries was also conducted to provide context. Each sector were found to have either negligible or negative impact on lower-income communities. Construction and automotive sectors may contribute to job displacement or environmental harm, while the defense sector may divert resources away from social welfare programs. The renewable energy sector has yet to provide substantial relief for disadvantaged groups, though it has potential for long-term benefit. Overall, the study highlights the need for more inclusive innovation that directly serves economically disadvantaged populations. These findings support a shift toward socially mindful research focused on practical relevance, equity, and societal consequences.