Can Crossref Citations Replace Web of Science for Research Evaluation? The Share of Open Citations

Abstract Purpose We study the proportion of Web of Science (WoS) citation links that are represented in the Crossref Open Citation Index (COCI), with the possible aim of using COCI in research evaluation instead of the WoS, if the level of coverage was sufficient. Design/methodology/approach We calculate the proportion on citation links where both publications have a WoS accession number and a DOI simultaneously, and where the cited publications have had at least one author from our institution, the Czech Technical University in Prague. We attempt to look up each such citation link in COCI. Findings We find that 53.7% of WoS citation links are present in the COCI. The proportion varies largely by discipline. The total figures differ significantly from 40% in the large-scale study by Van Eck, Waltman, Larivière, and Sugimoto (blog 2018, https://www.cwts.nl/blog?article=n-r2s234). Research limitations The sample does not cover all science areas uniformly; it is heavily focused on Engineering and Technology, and only some disciplines of Natural Sciences are present. However, this reflects the real scientific orientation and publication profile of our institution. Practical implications The current level of coverage is not sufficient for the WoS to be replaced by COCI for research evaluation. Originality/value The present study illustrates a COCI vs WoS comparison on the scale of a larger technical university in Central Europe.