Global and National Dynamics of Scopus-Indexed Data Paper Publishing: A Bibliometric Analysis With Evidence From Ukraine

Abstract This article examines the global evolution and national differentiation of Data Papers in the context of the development of open science, with a particular focus on Ukraine. The aim of the study was to determine the temporal dynamics, geographic and disciplinary distribution, major publishing platforms, and the characteristics of Ukraine’s positioning within the global research data publication landscape. The analysis was conducted based on Scopus data using the distinct “Data Paper” document type. Publications from 2014 to 2026 were analyzed on a global scale, and those from 2016 to 2026 were analyzed for Ukraine; subject areas, journals, open access models, and mechanisms for waiving publication fees were examined separately. An overall upward global trend in Data Papers was observed, with a peak annual figure of approximately 2,300 documents in 2024. At the same time, Ukrainian activity remains low in volume and volatile: only 57 documents were identified during the study period, with a maximum of 10 publications in 2022. Global publication activity is concentrated primarily in the United States, China, and leading European research systems. The Ukrainian landscape is characterized by a unique combination of computer science, mathematics, social sciences, management and analytics, and natural sciences. The results indicate that Ukraine is already integrated into the Data Paper segment; however, its trajectory differs significantly from the global one in terms of scale and stability. MSC: 62R07 - Statistical aspects of big data and data science; 68P20 - Information storage and retrieval of data JEL: O30 - Innovation, Research and Development, Technological Change, Intellectual Property Rights: General; O32 - Management of Technological Innovation and Research and Development.