World cities of knowledge: research strength, networks and nodality

Purpose The paper sets out to focus on the upper level of knowledge cities of the world. Design/methodology/approach They are analyzed in terms of research output in total and for three disciplines: biotechnology, information and communications technology, and nanotechnology. The concept of knowledge in regional and urban competition is generally recognized, although relations between urban and regional economic growth and knowledge level are far from clear. Findings In this paper research strength of the major research metropolis of the world is analyzed, and interrelations between the centers using co‐authorship as indicator are identified. Originality/value Categorization of the nodal cities of the global research community is linked to the world city concept.