Publications in top journals provide a measure of “qualityadjusted” research output. Switzerland has the highest rate of high-quality publications on a per capita basis among OECD and BRIICS (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, Indonesia, China, South Africa) countries, followed by Sweden and Denmark. In absolute numbers, the United States is the leading producer of publications in top journals, followed by the United Kingdom. If total publications are considered, independently of quality, the United States remains the leader but China takes the second position. The share of emerging economy publications in the world total is rising fast although the percentage published in top quartile journals is below the world average.