The ranking relies on citation-based metrics, with institutions evaluated based on the aggregate D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all affiliated scholars whose primary publication area is in Economics and Finance. The D-index is a targeted metric, calculated exclusively from publications and citation data within the specific discipline of Economics and Finance, thereby guaranteeing discipline-specific relevance and accuracy.
Scope and Criteria for Research Evaluation
The scope of the ranking is underpinned by a substantial data set, with 279,971 scientist profiles reviewed across diverse bibliometric sources. Of these, 12,210 scientists were identified and analyzed specifically within the domain of Economics and Finance. To ensure scholarly distinction, the qualifying D-index threshold for individual researchers was set at 30, with an additional stipulation that the majority of their top-tier publications be within Economics and Finance.
Further, the D-index threshold for top researchers was dynamically adjusted in increments of 10 based on the estimated number of scholars per discipline, ensuring the inclusion of at least the top 1% of leading experts. Only scientists whose D-index was within 30% of their general H-index were considered, reinforcing a high degree of field relevance. In addition to bibliometric indicators, scientists' awards and recognitions in Economics and Finance were considered as supplementary factors, strengthening the comprehensive nature of the evaluation.
Verification and Validation Practices
Research.com maintains the highest standards of accuracy and impartiality in its ranking process. Recognizing that quantitative measures alone are insufficient, all scientist profiles underwent meticulous manual verification and cross-correlation against a broad spectrum of trusted publication sources. While the volume of articles published in leading journals and conference proceedings does not directly impact ranking outcomes, it serves as an auxiliary indicator of scholarly impact.
Positions within the ranking derive from the aggregate H-index data of scholars, sourced from the highly respected OpenAlex and CrossRef databases—two of the world’s preeminent platforms for bibliometric information. For further insights into the ranking methodology and selection process, please consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Ranking Agenda
The motivation behind the Research.com ranking extends beyond the establishment of institutional hierarchies. Our mission is to inspire scientists, business leaders, and policymakers worldwide to track emerging trends led by top experts and to empower the research community with actionable intelligence on who the primary thought leaders are, both globally and at the institutional level. By offering clear, verifiable data on scientific achievement, we aim to facilitate informed collaboration and drive further advances in research.
Key Results from the 2024 Netherlands Economics and Finance Universities Ranking
-
Top 3 Dutch Institutions by Number of Leading Scientists:
- University of Groningen: 14 scientists
- Erasmus University Rotterdam: 13 scientists
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: 12 scientists
-
Most Prominent Global Institutions in Economics and Finance:
Leading scholars represent:
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.
-
Top Individual Scholars Worldwide:
- Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz (Columbia University), D-index: 191 – ranked #1 globally
- James J. Heckman (University of Chicago), D-index: 181 – ranked #2 globally
- Andrei Shleifer (Harvard University), D-index: 168 – ranked #3 globally
-
Aggregate Metrics for Leading Institutions:
- Average total D-index for the top 5% of universities: 1987 (compared to an overall average of 234 across all 584 ranked institutions)
- Average number of published articles among top 5%: 6,674 (compared to an overall average of 903)
- Average number of citations among top 1%: 3,279,971 (compared to an overall average of 279,971)
Through rigorous methodology and transparent practices, the Research.com ranking provides an authoritative guide to institutional and individual excellence in Economics and Finance research. We invite academic leaders, researchers, and policymakers to utilize these insights to drive progress in their institutions and disciplines.
