Academic Journal Impact Diffusion Framework Based on Diffusion of Innovations Theory: Integrating Entropy–AHP and ELECTRE Methods

Based on innovation diffusion theory, this study constructs a journal impact diffusion evaluation framework. Thirteen indicators were selected according to five characteristics influencing diffusion speed. The Entropy Weight–AHP method was employed to determine the comprehensive weights of these 13 indicators, and the ELECTRE method was used to rank journals’ impact diffusion capabilities. The results demonstrate a high correlation between the ELECTRE ranking and those derived from the impact factor and TOPSIS methods, although significant discrepancies exist in rankings for individual journals. Compared to other approaches, the ELECTRE method more effectively identifies journals exhibiting uneven development. The constructed framework assists journals in enhancing their development, identifying existing issues, and provides a methodological reference for overcoming the limitations of single indicator evaluations to achieve more comprehensive academic assessment.