The share of corresponding or leading authors in scientific publications on waste management and disposal in Germany showed a gradual decline from 82.76% in 2024 to 81.45% in 2028. This reflects a consistent decrease in the proportion of a single lead, indicating a minor dispersion in authorship roles. In 2023, the share stood at 83.1%, highlighting a slight downward trend year-on-year from 2023 to 2024. The projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the next five years depicts an average annual decline, emphasizing a shifting authorship dynamic.

Future trends to watch for include:

Increased international collaboration could further influence authorship dynamics.
Technological advancements may democratize authorship, reducing the centralized role of lead authors.
Potential policy changes in scientific funding and publication could impact the structure of research teams.