World Ranking of Top Economics & Finance Scientists in 2022 (1st Edition)

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

On February 8, 2022, Research.com released the 1st edition of the annual ranking for top scientists in the area of economics and finance. This list of leading scholars is designed to offer the academic community more visibility and exposure to the influential research contributions made by those at the forefront of economics and finance.

What is more, we hope it will inspire researchers, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs around the world to find out where leading experts are heading. It is a great opportunity for all of us to learn who are the leading experts in different research areas, in different countries, as well as within different universities and research institutions.

For the 2022 edition of the ranking, more than 7858 scientist profiles on Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph have been examined with several indicators and metrics reviewed in order to consider each scientist’s inclusion in the ranking.

The h-index threshold for approving a scholar to be considered was set to 30 if most of their publications were in the field of Economics and Finance. The inclusion criteria for scholars to be considered into the ranking of top scientists are based on the discipline h-index, proportion of the contributions made within the given discipline in addition to the awards and achievements of the scientists.

The key findings for the 1st edition of top economics & finance scientists ranking

• Scholars from the United States are dominating the ranking with 626 scientists representing 62.6% of all leading economics & finance scientists. The other countries with leading positions in the ranking are the United Kingdom (108 scientists or 10.8%), Germany (36 scientists or 3.6%), Australia (29 scientists or 2.9%), The Netherlands (27 scientists or 2.7%), and Switzerland (22 scientists or 2.2%).
• 9 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States.
• In 2022 Harvard University was the research institution hosting the highest number of leading economics & finance scientists with as many as 55 of them working there this year which represents 5.5% of all world's leading scientists in that discipline.
• The non-educational institution with the highest number of ranking scientists is The World Bank, with 17 researchers present on the list.
• The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 144.4 against an average of 61.42 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The full ranking for the 2022 list of top economics & finance scientists can be found here:

TOP ECONOMICS & FINANCE SCIENTISTS RANKING

Countries with the highest number of leading economics & finance scientists

Scientists from the United States dominate the list with 626 scholars included in 2022 which represents 62.6% of the whole ranking. 9 out of 10 scientists in the top 1% are from the United States (the remaining one is from the United Kingdom).

The United Kingdom ranks second with 108 scientists.

The third spot was taken by Germany, which currently has 36 ranking scientists.

The other leading countries are Australia with 29 scientists, the Netherlands with 27 scientists, Switzerland with 22 scientists, and Italy with 20 scholars.

Please note that the country associated with a scientist is based on their affiliated research institution according to MAG, not on their actual nationality.

How can accelerated online master's programs enhance research productivity in economics and finance?

Accelerated online master's degrees offer a streamlined pathway for scholars to acquire advanced skills without lengthy time commitments. Programs such as the quickest master's degree empower emerging researchers to quickly integrate contemporary analytical tools and methodologies into their work. This strategic educational model supports rapid professional development and immediately actionable research insights, thereby enhancing the overall impact and competitiveness of academic contributions in economics and finance.

Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists

In the 2022 edition of our ranking, Harvard University is the clear leader, with 55 scientists affiliated with that university included in the ranking. Ranking second is MIT with 35 scientists, and the third place is occupied by New York University with 32 scholars.

9 out of 10 institutions in the top 1% are based in the USA, the only exception being the University of Sussex ranked 6th.

It is worth noting though, that in the top 1% of the ranking there is a significant variance of institutions present, with only Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley having 2 of their representatives present there.

The most important ranking institutions that are not universities are The World Bank with 17 affiliated scientists, the US National Bureau of Economic Research with 9 scholars, and the International Monetary Fund with 7 researchers.

Among 20 leading institutions 15 are universities based in the US, three are based in the United Kingdom (London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge) one is an international institution (The World Bank) and one is based in Italy (Bocconi University, a private university in Milan).

Online economics degree programs enrich research endeavors

Online economics degrees help students develop robust quantitative skills. It covers courses in statistics, advanced mathematics, and accounting. These degrees also encourage students to pursue research and gain knowledge on simple topics like finance vs accounting and more complex issues like green economies and the economics of information security.

Obtaining an online bachelor's degree in economics prepare students for many kinds of professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 1,400 job openings are projected for economists over the next decade. Economics graduates, alongside finance degree holders, can usually find employment in financial markets, corporations, and government agencies.

Economists may also continue studying economics by taking a master's or doctoral degree. Graduate studies equip them with more skills that they can apply to varied roles, specifically jobs involving research on goods and services consumption and market analysis. Our 2022 world ranking of top economists shows the remarkable contribution of economists in fostering innovation and research.

Can short-term certifications drive career success in economics and finance?

Professionals seeking immediate industry impact can enhance their skillset through targeted certifications. Short-term credentials offer a focused pathway to acquire specialized competencies that complement traditional academic achievements. By engaging in short certificate programs that pay well, emerging professionals can secure practical training and adaptability in fast-evolving financial environments, strengthening both their competitive edge and career trajectory.

Can associate degrees provide a competitive start in economics and finance?

Associate degrees offer a streamlined and cost-effective pathway to build foundational skills in economics and finance. Focused curricula emphasize core analytical methods, quantitative reasoning, and real-world applications, enabling graduates to gain practical insight into financial management and economic analysis. These programs can rapidly equip learners with job-ready competencies, facilitating immediate entry into the workforce or serving as a springboard for advanced studies. Data on best paying 2 year degrees highlights the potential of such programs to provide lucrative career opportunities in industries that value a practical, skills-based approach.

Can interdisciplinary legal studies benefit economics and finance research?

Integrating legal studies with economic and financial research introduces a robust framework for understanding market regulations and policy impacts on global economies. This interdisciplinary approach equips researchers with the ability to analyze legal precedents alongside economic indicators, ultimately driving more innovative and comprehensive study methods. By expanding their expertise through programs such as online master of legal studies programs, professionals can enhance their analytical toolkit, promote sound policy recommendations, and foster research that addresses both regulatory and market-driven challenges.

Can specialized master's programs facilitate a successful career transition?

Targeted master's programs in economics and finance are designed to support professionals seeking to pivot their careers through a focused curriculum and practical skill-building opportunities. These programs offer advanced quantitative methods, applied research projects, and industry-specific training that help bridge the gap between established expertise and emerging market demands. Enhanced networking opportunities, flexible learning formats, and contemporary case studies further enable candidates to achieve immediate professional impact. For a comprehensive overview of such opportunities, consider exploring masters degrees for career changers.

Can advanced certifications significantly boost long-term career earnings?

Employers in economics and finance increasingly value comprehensive certification programs that signal specialized expertise and a commitment to continuous professional development. Advanced certifications offer measurable returns on investment by opening doors to roles with enhanced responsibilities and superior compensation packages. Data-driven insights confirm that a strategic certification can differentiate a candidate in competitive job markets and improve long-term career trajectories. For a detailed overview of programs recognized for high earnings potential, explore what certifications make the most money.

Can a 10-month masters degree online offer a competitive edge in economics and finance?

A focused, accelerated program equips professionals with industry-relevant skills in a condensed timeframe, enabling immediate integration of advanced quantitative methods and analytical frameworks into practice. Such programs are structured to balance rigorous academic curricula with real-world applications, fostering both research and practical competence. Participants benefit from flexible scheduling and networking opportunities that extend globally, enhancing their strategic positioning within competitive economic and finance sectors. For those seeking a swift yet comprehensive academic boost, read our guide on the benefits of a 10-month masters degree online.

H-index ranking – leaders, averages, and distribution

Professor Andrei Shleifer, from Harvard University, US, tops the list of leading scientists with a high H-index of 172.

For Europe, Professor Richard S. J. Tol from the University of Sussex, UK is ranked the first in the region, but he's also listed in the top 1% with a world ranking of 6.

Professor Muhammad Shahbaz from Beijing Institute of Technology, China leads the top list in Asia with an H-index of 94 and a world ranking of 63.

For Oceania, Professor David A. Hensher from the University of Sydney in Australia is on top of the list with a world ranking of 67.

Professor Simplice A. Asongu who is affiliated with the University of South Africa is the first for Africa with a world ranking of 328.

Professor Benjamin Miranda Tabak from Brazilian Fundação Getulio Vargas is the highest-ranking scientist from South America with a world ranking of 524.

The average H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 144.4 against an average of 61.42 for all 1000 scientists included in the ranking.

The scholar with the lowest index value who made it to the ranking in 2022 has an H-index of 43.

The average number of published articles for the 1% scientists in the ranking is 422 against an average of 175 for all 1000 scholars.

The average number of citations for the top 1% of scientists is 179,960 against an average of 32,801 for all 1000 scholars. The highest cited scientist is Andrei Shleifer from Harvard University with 402,840 citations.

You can learn more about the methodology used to create the ranking here.

About Research.com

All research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., a computer scientist with a well-established record of collaboration on a number of international research projects with different partners from the academic community. His role was to make sure all data remained unbiased, accurate, and up-to-date.

Research.com is the number one research portal for science and educational rankings. Our mission is to make it easier for professors, research fellows, and students to progress with their research and find the top experts in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Research.com is also a leading educational platform that helps students find the best colleges, academic opportunities, and career paths.