An updated ranking of the economic research institutions in China (2000-2009)

This paper ranks the economic research institutions in China based on publications in the SSCI economics journals from 2000 through 2009 and finds that the gap in the research capacity of economic research institutions between the mainland and Hong Kong is very large, even though the difference in overall quality is not so significant. This paper can reflect successes and failures of the reform of the economics education in China over the past decade and give important implications for the ongoing reforms as well.

Research highlights►China has been substantially increasing the publications in international economics journals in the past decade.► The gap of the research capacities between the mainland and Hong Kong is still very large.► The difference of overall publication qualities between the mainland and Hong Kong is not significant.► Recent reforms in economics education in some mainland universities do promote publications, but the independent ability needs improvement.