Can A City Be Designed for Scientific Innovation?

A new study looks at the best cities in the world for science, using publication rates in as the basis. The researchers

1 minute read

October 23, 2010, 1:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Christian Matthiessen, a geographer at the University of Copenhagen, noticed that metropolitan areas were behind the majority of scientific research and publications, so he got interested in looking at how cities encouraged scientific innovation:

From Nature: "By Matthiessen's count, the top 75 science-producing clusters in the world from 2006 to 2008 generated some 57% of the research - 3.9 million papers. Many argue that a fine-grained analysis might help to identify the factors that drive successful research clusters - indicating rising stars and aiding city planners and policy-makers in building profitable centres elsewhere."

Tokyo, London, Beijing and the San Francisco Bay Area top the list.

Friday, October 22, 2010 in Nature

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog