Top European Economics Departments

The "Ranking of Academic Journals and Institutions in Economics" by Kalaitzidakis, Manuneas, and Stengos (2001) provides an in-depth analysis of the most influential economics departments in Europe. This comprehensive ranking assesses institutions based on their research output, academic impact, and contributions to leading economic journals, offering a clear snapshot of the strength of European academic institutions in the field of economics. The analysis takes into account a variety of metrics, including the quality and quantity of research publications, faculty performance, and institutional contributions to the advancement of economic theory and applied research. According to this ranking, the European universities at the forefront of economic research represent a combination of traditional, historic institutions and innovative, research-driven centers of learning.

At the top of the list is Tilburg University in the Netherlands, which stands out as the number one institution in Europe for economics research according to this ranking. Tilburg University has established itself as a global leader in economic thought and analysis, thanks to its emphasis on rigorous academic inquiry and cutting-edge research. The university is widely respected for its interdisciplinary approach to economics, integrating insights from business, finance, social sciences, and policy analysis. With its active research community, Tilburg University has proven its ability to adapt to new economic challenges and consistently produce research that is both innovative and highly cited in major academic journals.

Following closely is the London School of Economics (LSE), one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for economics and social sciences. The LSE’s position as a global research leader stems from its commitment to producing groundbreaking research and fostering intellectual collaboration across a wide range of economic disciplines. Known for its strong focus on economics, social sciences, political economy, and public policy, the LSE has educated many of the world’s most prominent economic thinkers and policymakers. Its contribution to economic research is unparalleled, with the institution consistently ranking among the very best in terms of research output and scholarly influence.

In third place is Tel Aviv University, located in Israel. This institution has proven itself as a rising star in the field of economics and social science research. Tel Aviv University has a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative research community with a focus on both theoretical and applied economic analysis. It is well-known for its interdisciplinary approach to economics, emphasizing not only economic theory but also real-world applications and policy interventions. Tel Aviv University's contributions to economic research journals and collaboration with international research networks highlight its growing influence and commitment to advancing economic thought.

Another prestigious institution in the rankings is University College London (UCL), which holds the fourth position. UCL has distinguished itself with its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and its commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration across departments. UCL's economics department stands out for its emphasis on tackling contemporary economic challenges, ranging from globalization to labor economics, public policy, and technological disruption. The university's global focus, combined with its emphasis on cutting-edge research, ensures its prominence in the Kalaitzidakis, Manuneas, and Stengos ranking.

The historic University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, two of the oldest and most celebrated universities in the world, also feature prominently in the European economics rankings. Cambridge and Oxford have long-standing traditions of academic excellence and intellectual achievement in economics and the social sciences. The University of Cambridge is especially notable for its contributions to economic theories and research advancements, with its faculty and alumni having played pivotal roles in shaping economic thought over the years. Similarly, the University of Oxford maintains its global reputation by fostering innovation and conducting pioneering research in diverse areas of economics. These two institutions embody a balance of tradition, research rigor, and global influence, with countless influential economic thinkers having studied or worked at these universities.

Additionally, Toulouse, a prestigious French institution, is listed among the top ten European economics departments. Toulouse is known for its focus on cutting-edge economic research and its emphasis on applied economics and economic policy. It has contributed significantly to the European understanding of economic trends, globalization, and market behavior. Similarly, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, another top institution from Israel, is also recognized for its emphasis on research innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry. The Hebrew University is well-regarded for its contributions to both theoretical economics and practical applications, bridging the gap between academia and public policy challenges.

Other top-ranked European economics institutions include the Free University of Amsterdam and Carlos III University. The Free University of Amsterdam is celebrated for its forward-thinking research, interdisciplinary programs, and strong focus on economics and policy studies. Its active research community places a premium on producing impactful studies published in major academic journals. Likewise, Carlos III University, located in Spain, is included in this ranking for its dynamic research approach and strong emphasis on publishing in top economics journals. Both institutions are highly respected within the European academic community for their dedication to promoting research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This Kalaitzidakis, Manuneas, and Stengos ranking highlights the strength, diversity, and innovation of European economics departments. European universities continue to dominate global economics research, thanks to their commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and global academic collaboration. These institutions are at the forefront of addressing contemporary global economic challenges, producing influential research, and contributing insights that shape international economic theory and policy.

The inclusion of both traditional institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and LSE, and dynamic, modern institutions like Tel Aviv University and Carlos III, demonstrates the diversity of Europe’s academic strengths. Each of these universities combines strong research foundations, innovative approaches, and global academic collaboration to maintain their positions in the top ten European economics departments. The Kalaitzidakis, Manuneas, and Stengos ranking underscores the continued leadership of European economics departments and their role in shaping the future of economic research and policy across the globe.

Ranking of Top 10 European Economics Departments:

1 Tilburg

2 London School of Economics (LSE)

3 Tel Aviv

4 University College London

5 U of Cambridge

6 U of Oxford

7 Toulouse

8 Hebrew University

9 Free University of Amsterdam

10 Carlos III

Source: "Ranking of Academic Journals and Institutions in Economics" - Kalaitzidakis, Manuneas, Stengos 2001