Abstract Research funding drives institutional change within national science systems (NSS), yet its specific effects remain underexplored—especially in small, maturing systems. This study examines Luxembourg’s NSS, shaped by its small size, recent formation, and financial strength, mapping how research funding influences scientific production, collaboration, and disciplinary patterns through bibliometric analysis. By analysing 22,657 publications from public research organizations (2000–2022), we identify three phases of science production—development, leap, and maturity—characterized by rapid growth, targeted funding, and rising global connectivity. While international collaborations have expanded, national cross-organizational collaborations remain less extensive and often depend on international partners. Self-reinforcing specialization and prioritization mechanisms have shaped the system’s trajectory, enabling Luxembourg to build capacities aligned with its unique socio-economic context. Positioned within broader debates on higher education institutionalization, resource allocation, and research governance, our findings show how a small state like Luxembourg strengthens its international competitiveness while developing a differentiated, durable, and productive science system tailored to its national priorities.
Moradel-Vásquez et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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