The Consequences of Publishing in Scopus Indexed Journals on Iraqi Journals: Journals of the University of Babylon as an Example

Abstract

     This study aims to examine the balance and harmony in the scientific publishing process between the Iraqi local journals and those indexed in Scopus. It seeks to identify the pathways through which local journals can develop in accordance with global standards, thereby contributing to improving publication quality and ensuring the inclusion of research within major international databases. The study also emphasizes the importance of adhering to the requirements of rigorous scientific publishing and presenting recent studies that serve the scientific community and promote intellectual and research creativity.

     The research sample consists of 50 postgraduate students from the University of Babylon, and a questionnaire comprising two main sections is adopted as the primary research tool. The first section includes questions directed to postgraduate students regarding publishing in Scopus-indexed journals, while the second section contains questions directed to the editors-in-chief of the journals of the College of Basic Education and the College of Science for Women at the University of Babylon, aiming to explore the current state of scientific publishing in local journals and identify mechanisms for its development in line with international standards.

     The results reveal that approximately 60% of the participants expressed genuine interest in publishing in international Scopus-indexed journals and adhering to their publication standards, while 40% prefer publishing in local journals due to the support they provide, their affordable publication fees, and the promptness of the peer-review process. Furthermore, the findings indicate that 70% of researchers and postgraduate students strive to select contemporary and distinctive research topics, particularly in scientific fields favored by Scopus indexed journals, whereas 30% note that local journals tend to accept all submitted papers provided that they meet the criteria serving the interests of both the journal and the researcher.

     Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening the role of local journals by granting them greater autonomy and implementing regulations and standards that enhance their academic quality, enabling them to become strong competitors to high-impact international journals. It also encourages researchers and postgraduate students to select original and innovative research topics that enrich the scientific value of theses and dissertations, rather than repetitive topics with limited contribution.