– The success results from a collective effort. Creating and building this journal from scratch has been challenging and full of ups and downs, but it is an example of academic entrepreneurship, says Terrence Brown.
The scientific journal International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing (IJEV), with KTH professor Terrence Brown as editor and founder, has received its first impact factor of 1.5 according to the database Clarivate Analytics (Web of Science). The impact factor acknowledges the journal's influence and reflects the number of citations – the higher, the more prestige. Brown believes the journal has reached a leading position in entrepreneurship since its inception 17 years ago.
What does it mean to get an impact factor?
– While the metric does not yet mirror the potential I foresee, the mere inclusion on this prestigious list represents a noteworthy accomplishment. Only a fraction of academic journals is included in the Web of Science Index. To provide context, inclusion in the Web of Science demands adherence to 24 meticulously crafted criteria to ensure exemplary journal quality, ensuring that only journals of substantial merit are recognized, says Brown.
Brown emphasizes the accomplishment is not solely the journal’s but is a collective achievement, made possible through the concerted efforts and unparalleled commitment of all associated individuals – researchers, editors, and reviewers.
– It is a testament to our collective resilience, assiduous work, and the high caliber of contributions from researchers. I look forward to continuing to work to enhance the quality and reputation of IJEV. So, we can further propel the journal towards greater academic and professional echelons, making more significant contributions to the body of knowledge within the field, he says.
Why did you start the journal?
– I was approached by the publisher to start a journal in 2003 or 2004. However, during this time, journal administration was a nightmare and resource-heavy. Everything was done through snail mail, and nothing was digital. So, to manage a journal, you needed one or two assistants/administrators. I did not have access to those resources then and, therefore, had to say no. However, the publisher came back to me amazingly a few years later and asked me again with a different offer: full control from naming the journal to designing the cover, specific topic, etc. I could also have a co-editor-in-chief to help with the load. And finally, they had made the switch to digital. With this new offer, I was able to say yes, explains Brown.
What was the biggest challenge in starting a journal and being an editor?
– The biggest challenge then and now is getting many quality reviewers who review in a timely manner. No one gets paid in this system except the publisher. Academics are very busy juggling many projects, including their research and papers, he says.
17 years have passed since the launch. Do you see that the journal makes a difference?
– Entrepreneurship, research about entrepreneurship and journals about this have increased. The competition for quality has also increased. Research papers to publish has increased substantially, concludes Brown.
Link to Terrence Brown's page at the KTH website >>
Link to the journal International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing (IJEV) >>