Scientometrics study of scientific activity in Cuba in the fields of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Scientometrics provides tools for evaluating scientific activity of a nation, thereby aiding policy makers in setting policies aimed at determining new lines of research. The aim of this study is gain a clearer picture of Cuban scientific activity in the areas of Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Engineering. Cuba invests approximately 2.7% of GDP in R&D and 63% of GDP in higher education according to the World Bank. Our study shows that subject areas of Chemistry, Engineering and Astronomy-Astrophysics are the most important in terms of scientific output, consumption and scientific impact. These results are due mostly to international cooperation, mainly with Spain and Mexico. This study indicates that Cuba, a developing countries of the region, prioritizes much of its GDP to the development of natural sciences.