Jointly published by Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest Scientometrics, Vol. 79, No. 2 (2009) 261–275 and Springer, Dordrecht DOI: 10.1007/s11192-009-0417-z Received Decemner 5, 2007 Address for correspondence: ED C. M. NOYONS E-mail: Noyons@cwts.leidenuniv.nl 0138–9130/US $ 20.00 Copyright © 2008 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest All rights reserved Applying bibliometric mapping in a high level science policy context Mapping the research areas of three Dutch Universities of Technology ED C. M. NOYONS, CLARA CALERO-MEDINA Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands Bibliometric maps have the potential to become useful tools for science policy issues. The complexity of the structures, however, makes it often very difficult to interpret the results. In this study, we present a case study in which we use the bibliometric mapping results to address a high level science policy issue of research efficiency. By revealing the results in an alternative way, we increased the utility of bibliometric mapping within the science policy context. Moreover, by including additional information to the entities in the landscape, we provide useful input for the research potential. Introduction Quantitative studies of science within the science policy context aims at developing indicators to measure or characterize entities in science. These entities may be actors or fields. The user of these indicators need them to base their decision or opinion upon. While the scientometricians develop their indicators in such a way to account for the complexity of their object of research, the science politicians and research manager need simple and straightforward answers. But, for instance, measuring performance by using a normalized impact factor only will never tell the full story [MOED, 2005]. Making decisions on the basis of only this will probably lead to problematic situations. Recently an interesting book with interviews was published [SLOB, 2006] on dealing with uncertainty by scientists, managers and politicians. It appears that in many contexts there is a clear need for straightforward answers, but only seldom these answers can be given because the issues are so complex. In this paper we will elaborate on a study we performed recently for the Federation of the three Universities of Technology (3TU). The preparation of the federation of the three Dutch technology universities was initiated in 2003 to improve their contribution