The core bibliometric dataset for devising the citation-based metrics was collected on 2024-11-27. The methodology underlying each university's position is grounded in the aggregation of the D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all scholars affiliated with the respective institution whose principal area of publication lies within Economics and Finance. Importantly, the D-index encompasses solely those publications and their associated citation data that are specifically relevant to the examined discipline, thus ensuring precision and discipline-focused assessment.
Scope of Research Considered in the Ranking
To provide accurate and meaningful results, a total of 279,971 scientist profiles identified from a wide spectrum of bibliometric sources were initially examined. From this extensive pool, 12,210 scientists with a primary focus in Economics and Finance were selected for detailed analysis.
To maintain the highest standards, a qualifying D-index threshold of 30 was set for each scholar, with the majority of their high-tier publications required to be in the field of Economics and Finance. Additional criteria included the consideration of scientists’ awards and significant achievements within Economics and Finance. To ensure proper stratification and incorporate leading scholars, the D-index qualifying threshold for “top researchers” is adapted as an increment of 10, relative to the total number of scholars estimated for each discipline, guaranteeing the inclusion of the top 1% globally. Furthermore, a proximity criterion of 30% or less between a scientist’s general H-index and their D-index is imposed, confirming the specialist focus of their contribution. Once again, distinctions and key accomplishments in the field supplement the quantitative metrics.
Verification Practices and Commitment to Data Quality
Understanding the inherent limitations and contextual nuances of raw bibliometric data, the research team undertook additional steps to reinforce reliability. Each scientist profile identified for the ranking underwent manual verification, and cross-correlation procedures were conducted using diverse, trustworthy publication sources.
While not directly contributing to a researcher’s position within the Research.com ranking, the frequency of publication in high-impact journals and leading conference proceedings is acknowledged as a significant secondary indicator of a scientist’s influence within the discipline.
The definitive position of each researcher is determined by their H-index, as sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef—recognized as two of the most authoritative bibliometric databases currently available to the research community. For full details regarding our evaluative approach, methodology, and ranking criteria, we invite you to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Ranking Agenda
The creation of the Research.com Best Economics and Finance Universities in France Ranking is driven by a clear mission: to inspire scientists, business leaders, and policymakers worldwide to discover cutting-edge trends within academic fields and to provide the wider research community with unparalleled insight into who the outstanding experts are—across disciplines, countries, and academic institutions. We seek to facilitate informed collaboration, institutional benchmarking, and the recognition of world-leading research achievements.
Key Results of the 4th Edition Ranking
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Top 3 institutions in France by number of leading scientists:
- Paris School of Economics: 14 scientists
- Sciences Po: 6 scientists
- INSEAD: 6 scientists
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Global Prominence: The most influential scholars in Economics and Finance are representing premier institutions such as Columbia University, University of Chicago, Harvard University, MIT, Imperial College London, Indiana University, Federal University of Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of California, Berkeley, and The Ohio State University.
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World’s Leading Scientists:
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Joseph E. Stiglitz (Columbia University): Best scientist globally with a D-index of 191.
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James J. Heckman (University of Chicago): Ranked #2 in the world with a D-index of 181.
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Andrei Shleifer (Harvard University): #3 globally with a D-index of 168.
The top 5% of universities in the ranking are characterized by an average total D-index of 1987, compared to an average of 234 for all 584 institutions analyzed. Regarding research output, the average number of published articles in Economics and Finance for the top 5% scholars is 6,674, in contrast to an average of 903 for all institutions in the ranking. In terms of academic impact, researchers affiliated with the top 1% of universities have amassed an average of 3,279,971 citations, far exceeding the institutional average of 279,971.
These figures underscore the selectivity and rigor reflected in the Research.com ranking—highlighting the excellence of leading French universities in Economics and Finance, as well as their competitive standing in the global academic environment.
