Nature Index 2017 Science Cities

Cities are magnets for people, resources and infrastructure — essential components for the generation of new ideas. We present here other factors that make for an ideal knowledge city. The elements might seem obvious, but there's no magic formula for how to combine them. Data analysis by Aaron Ballagh, data visualization by Daniel Ormella.

For centuries a hub of ideas and trade, London is embracing ambitious developments to boost research and local connections, despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

New York's expensive office and lab spaces have deterred innovative life science firms, but with growing support for start-ups, the scene is changing.

Most of the world's research and entrepreneurship is concentrated in a few megacities.

A focus on basic research is shifting scientific resources from Seoul to South Koreas central city.

Barcelona lures scientists while Madrid is bound by bureaucracy.

Chinas political and economic centres, Beijing and Shanghai, connect on a scientific level.

Buoyed by government support, Shenzhen emulates Guangzhous academic excellence.

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality available free online at nature.com/nature-index/.