The “Interactive Visualization of ASEAN-EU Co-Publications” represents a significant stride in the analysis and presentation of collaborative research efforts between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU). This initiative is a testament to the growing research output in the ASEAN region and highlights the EU as a pivotal partner in journal co-publications.
The project was brought to life by the SEA-EU-NET analysis team, which meticulously analyzed ASEAN’s research output in terms of publications and patents. The result of this analysis is an interactive web-based tool that allows users to explore co-publication data dynamically. Launched on April 5, 2017, this tool provides a visual representation of the ASEAN-EU co-publication relationships, offering insights into the most important partner countries, the evolution of these partnerships over the years, and the variations across different research topics.
The visualization tool is designed to be user-friendly, functioning optimally on browsers like Firefox and Safari. It encourages users to engage with the data, posing questions such as: “Which are the major cooperation partner countries for a given country within ASEAN-EU collaboration?” or “How have these relationships evolved annually?” Users can interact with the data through features like a heatmap to track changes over time and a dropdown menu to filter information by specific topics.
The SEA-EU-NET project not only facilitates the exploration of co-publication data but also serves as a bridge fostering stronger ties between ASEAN and EU researchers. It underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing knowledge and innovation.
In the broader context of data visualization, the Publications Office of the European Union, in collaboration with data visualization expert Maarten Lambrechts, has created a Data Visualization Guide. This guide aims to enhance data visualization skills and is a resource for both novices and experts. It covers various aspects of data visualization, from cleaning data to designing visualizations, and even delves into programming languages for more advanced users.
The interactive visualization of ASEAN-EU co-publications is more than just a tool; it’s a reflection of the collaborative spirit that drives scientific advancement. It stands as a model for future endeavors that aim to harness the power of data visualization to make complex information accessible and engaging for a wide audience. The project not only charts the history of ASEAN-EU research collaborations but also paves the way for future innovations and partnerships that will continue to enrich the global research community.