International orientation, efficiency of and regard for research in East and West Germany - a bibliometric investigation of aspects of technology genesis in the United Germany

Two new indicators "international orientation" and "regard for research" for characterising science areas are introduced. Analysis is based on a FhG-ISI classification of scientific research areas which comprises 27 scientific sub-areas. The efficiency of areas of science was evaluated using the DEA method. Areas achieving a maximum orientation or regard of international publication are rated as efficient. The areas of reproductive medicine, organic and inorganic chemistry in the former Federal Republic can thus be regarded as efficient areas of science. No area of scientific research in the former East Germany was able to achieve the optimum. The determinant in this connection is the adverse situation with respect to international orientation whilst no substantial difference in regard for further research could be detected between East and West German Research.