TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese universities are making improvements in research contributions but trailing in employer reputation, according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 2024 World University Rankings.

The higher education analyst headquartered in London, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), released its latest survey data on Sunday (April 14), which showed Taiwanese universities advanced 30% in research productivity this year. In the “Citations per Paper” metric, which evaluates research impact, Taiwanese institutions also rose 13%, per CNA.

However, in the “Employer Reputation” index, Taiwanese universities dropped 18% in recognition. This score was calculated based on survey responses from 98,000 employers, managers, and human resource professionals. They were asked to nominate up to 30 international institutions outside their region that they rate the best for recruiting relevant job candidates. 

The “Employer Reputation” index takes into consideration employability, a “vital aspect of a student's educational journey,” according to QS. “The majority of undergraduate students leave university in search of employment after their first degree, making the reputation of their university amongst employers a crucial consideration,” the company said. 

QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter said that Taiwan’s drop in employer reputation and network indicators points to the challenges it faces in the international academic environment. He said the index underscores the necessity of local universities to “foster stronger ties with employers” and “diversify research collaboration.”

Despite these drawbacks, Sowter said that Taiwan’s rise in research productivity metrics is a sign of its growing impact in academia. 

"Taiwan, home to only 24 million people, is a cornerstone of academic prowess in Asia, boasting the second-highest concentration of ranked universities per capita in the region in the 14th edition of the QS World University Rankings,” Sowter said. "This remarkable feat not only underscores the robustness of Taiwan's higher education system but also speaks volumes about its regional and global competitiveness.”

National Taiwan University (NTU) ranked ninth overall in Asia this year. It placed in the top 20 global rankings for “Classics and Ancient History” and the top 50 global rankings for “Library and Information Management,” “Social Policy and Administration,” and “Modern Languages and Sociology.” 

More Taiwanese universities featured in the top 50 global rankings for specific subjects, such as Taipei Medical University, ranked No. 25 for “Nursing,” National Taiwan Normal University, ranked No. 27 for “Education,” National Chengchi University, ranked No. 30 for “Classics & Ancient History,” and National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, ranked No. 38 for “Hospitality & Leisure Management.”

The 2024 edition of QS World University Rankings featured 1,500 institutions across 104 locations. It is the only ranking of its kind to emphasize employability and sustainability.