Evolving target: A 16-year progressive framework for shifting the rubric of scientific publishing toward transparency, artificial intelligence, and the Economic Impact Factor for impact that matters

Table 6 Stage classification

EIF tier	Descriptor	Example metric	Weight (W)
Tier I	Foundational scientific discovery (gene sequencing, biochemical structure)	2003 publication	1.0
Tier II	Intellectual property generation	≥ 5 core patents citing or derived from this strain sequence (e.g., Allergan BoNT A1 formulation, purification methods)	2.0
Tier III	Translational uptake	FDA IND/NDA filings, clinical protocols using Hall A strain	3.0
Tier IV	Commercial deployment	Annual BOTOX® revenue ≈ $ 2.3 B	4.0
Tier V	Societal/regulatory impact	Inclusion in CDC, WHO classification; reimbursement frameworks; global adoption	5.0

EIF: Economic Impact Factor; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; IND: Investigational new drug; NDA: New drug application; CDC: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO: World Health Organization.