Transformation priorities in the editorial policy of a Russian scientific journal in the context of international sanctions

Abstract

The current sanctions introduced against Russian science are imposing serious consequences on interactions between researchers all over the world. In order to analyse approaches to mitigating the resulting negative effects, the author turns to the theories of external shocks and crisis management. Criteria that characterise modern external shocks are distinguished, on which basis transformations in the editorial policy of a Russian journal aimed at minimising the effects of international isolation under the conditions of limited resources are proposed. Priority directions in the editorial policy include shifting the geographical focus of editorial activities, restructuring the editorial portfolio in favour of review articles and special issues, rethinking the role of email marketing strategies and promoting journals through alternative social networking resources. Each transformation direction is discussed in terms of feasible implementation tools. The importance of monitoring emerging types of articles that are promising from the standpoint of increasing the visibility and recognition of a journal (such as those outlining frontier research directions) is emphasized. The author argues that the proposed transformations in the editorial policy of a journal entails no radical changes in the thematic scope or content selection process. Moreover, these measures can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a particular publisher. Directions for future research are outlined.