The journal attention cycle: indicators as assets in the Chinese scientific publishing economy

We analyze how journal business models are built on an attention cycle. In this cycle, measured attention, in the form of bibliometric indicators, becomes a key asset that can be converted into readership and submissions, which in turn may generate financial resources. Our paper illustrates this in the context of the Chinese publication system, where varying attention cycles coexist. In the Chinese state-run publication system, measured attention can be converted into public support, as well as increased subscription and submission revenue. Opportunities to assetize and convert attention and financial resources differ radically between English-language journals operating under Chinese control, China-based journals operating with international publishers, or Chinese-language journals. Using data from qualitative interviews with Chinese editors and publishers, we demonstrate how this conceptualization helps understand crucial differences between these journals, but also the specificity of the Chinese publishing system. In addition, we propose how the attention cycle can be used as an analytical tool to study publication systems in other contexts.