Why Researchers Choose Quarterly Journal of Economics for High-Impact Publications
The Quarterly Journal of Economics stands as a cornerstone in the field of economic and business development, renowned for its rigorous scholarship and influential contributions to economic theory and policy. Established in 1886 by the Harvard Department of Economics and published by Oxford University Press, this journal has consistently shaped academic discourse. Its pages feature seminal works that address pressing issues, from macroeconomic trends to microeconomic behaviors, making it a go-to resource for researchers worldwide.
With a legacy spanning over a century, the Quarterly Journal of Economics maintains an unwavering commitment to excellence. It publishes original research that advances understanding in diverse economic subfields, including labor economics, development economics, and behavioral economics. The journal's selective process ensures that only the most innovative and methodologically sound papers see publication, contributing to its status as one of the top-ranked economics journals globally. Researchers value its broad readership among academics, policymakers, and industry leaders, which amplifies the reach and impact of published work.
Submitting to the Quarterly Journal of Economics offers more than just publication; it signifies recognition in a competitive field. The journal's emphasis on empirical rigor and theoretical depth attracts submissions from leading institutions. Its hybrid open access model allows authors to increase visibility while adhering to traditional subscription frameworks. For those in economic and business development, publishing here can elevate career trajectories, opening doors to collaborations, grants, and tenured positions.
The editorial team, comprising distinguished economists, provides constructive feedback that refines research quality. Past issues highlight transformative articles, such as those exploring inequality or trade policies, underscoring the journal's relevance to contemporary challenges. As economic landscapes evolve, the Quarterly Journal of Economics remains at the forefront, fostering debates that influence global strategies.
To leverage these opportunities, consider aligning your work with the journal's scope. For aspiring economists, reviewing recent publications can inspire novel approaches. Institutions often encourage submissions to high-impact venues like this to bolster departmental profiles. Ultimately, the Quarterly Journal of Economics serves as a launchpad for ideas that matter. Explore economics faculty positions to connect your research with academic careers.
Overview & History
The Quarterly Journal of Economics was founded in 1886 as the first professional economics journal in the English language. Initiated by Harvard University's Department of Economics, it aimed to disseminate cutting-edge research to a scholarly audience. Over the decades, it has evolved into a flagship publication, reflecting shifts in economic thought from classical to modern paradigms.
Key milestones include its role in publishing foundational papers during the Great Depression era and post-World War II reconstructions. Today, it continues to bridge theoretical economics with practical applications in business development. The journal's quarterly cadence allows for timely dissemination, with each issue featuring 4-6 articles alongside book reviews and notes. Its partnership with Oxford University Press ensures wide distribution and archival stability.
Historically, editors like Edward Chamberlin and Simon Kuznets have steered its direction, emphasizing interdisciplinary insights. This rich heritage positions the Quarterly Journal of Economics as a vital archive for economic historians and current scholars alike. Researchers often cite its longevity as evidence of sustained excellence in the discipline.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Quarterly Journal of Economics encompasses a wide array of topics within economics, with a focus on original, high-quality research. It welcomes empirical and theoretical contributions that advance knowledge in core and applied areas. Primary emphasis lies on economic and business development, but it extends to related fields like public policy and international trade.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Macroeconomics | Studies aggregate economic phenomena, including growth models and monetary policy. |
| Microeconomics | Examines individual and firm behaviors, market structures, and decision-making. |
| Development Economics | Focuses on poverty alleviation, institutional reforms, and economic progress in emerging markets. |
| Labor Economics | Analyzes employment dynamics, wage inequalities, and human capital investments. |
| Behavioral Economics | Integrates psychology into economic models to understand irrational choices. |
| International Economics | Explores trade, exchange rates, and global financial integrations. |
This broad scope ensures the journal appeals to diverse researchers. Submissions should demonstrate novelty and robustness, often using advanced econometric techniques. The inclusion of business development topics highlights applications in entrepreneurship and innovation policy.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2023) | 16.7 | Clarivate Journal Citation Reports |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 18.2 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 24.5 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 312 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 6% | Publisher estimates |
| Submission to First Decision | 2-3 months | Oxford University Press |
These metrics underscore the journal's influence, with the impact factor reflecting frequent citations in top-tier research. The low acceptance rate signals selectivity, rewarding exceptional submissions.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Quarterly Journal of Economics is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and EconLit, facilitating citations and altmetrics tracking. Abstracting services like JSTOR and RePEc provide archival access, while PubMed includes relevant health economics papers.
- Clarivate Analytics: Core Collection
- Elsevier Scopus: Q1 ranking in Economics
- American Economic Association: e-JEL classification
- DOAJ: Not applicable (subscription model)
This comprehensive coverage enhances visibility for authors. Researchers can verify indexing via the official journal homepage.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, the Quarterly Journal of Economics operates on a subscription basis with open access options. Traditional publication incurs no fees for authors, supported by institutional subscriptions. For open access, authors may opt for gold OA under Oxford's policy, with APCs around $4,500, often covered by funders.
Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green for self-archiving. No page charges apply, making it accessible. This model balances prestige with broader dissemination, aligning with economic research norms.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled electronically via the journal's online portal at Oxford University Press. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, anonymized for double-blind review. Guidelines emphasize clear abstracts, data appendices, and adherence to ethical standards.
The process involves initial screening, peer review by 2-3 experts, and editorial decisions. Revisions are common, with final acceptance leading to copyediting. For detailed steps, consult the submission portal. Integrating these guidelines boosts success rates for economic and business development papers.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board features luminaries in economics, including Amy Finkelstein (MIT) as Co-Editor, alongside Lawrence F. Katz (Harvard) and others from Stanford and Chicago. Their expertise spans development, labor, and public economics, ensuring balanced oversight.
Board members contribute to special issues and policy forums, enhancing the journal's relevance. Their affiliations with top universities signal the high caliber of review. Aspiring authors benefit from this network's insights.
Why Publish in Quarterly Journal of Economics?
Publishing in the Quarterly Journal of Economics elevates research profiles, with citations driving h-index growth. Its prestige aids tenure and funding applications. The journal's focus on impactful economics attracts collaborators globally.
Unlike lower-tier outlets, it offers rigorous vetting that strengthens papers. For business development scholars, visibility to policymakers is a key draw. Track records show alumni publications correlating with career advancements. Consider PhD programs in economics for foundational training.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Acceptance Rate | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Economic Review | 9.1 | 8% | Broad economics |
| Journal of Political Economy | 7.8 | 5% | Theoretical and empirical |
| Econometrica | 5.5 | 10% | Econometrics heavy |
| Review of Economic Studies | 6.3 | 7% | Young scholar focus |
| Quarterly Journal of Economics | 16.7 | 6% | High-impact innovations |
This comparison highlights the Quarterly Journal of Economics' superior metrics and selectivity. It outpaces peers in citation influence, ideal for ambitious researchers. For alternatives, explore higher ed jobs in economics.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, craft a compelling abstract highlighting innovation. Use robust data and address reviewer concerns preemptively. Collaborate with co-authors for diverse perspectives. Regularly check Rate My Professor for mentor insights. Time submissions to avoid peak periods. Finally, align with academic calendar deadlines for optimal review.