An EDC Paris Professor Ranked Among the Top 2% of the World’s Most Influential Scientists

We went to meet Zied Ftiti, Professor at EDC Paris and a leading figure in economic research. Recently recognised among the top 2% of the most influential scientists in the world by the Stanford-Elsevier ranking, he explains his career, his work, and the global impact of his research. This recognition also reflects the academic excellence and growing international visibility of EDC Paris in the world of research.

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Hello Zied Ftiti, you are a Professor of Finance and Vice Dean of Research at EDC Paris Business School. In a recent ranking conducted by Stanford University in collaboration with the world’s leading publisher Elsevier, you were listed among the top 2% of the most influential scientists globally.

First of all, congratulations on this achievement! What does this recognition mean to you?

Being among the top 2% of the world’s most influential scientists represents a dual recognition for me: both of the research work carried out over many years, and of the relevance of the topics on which I focus my efforts.

You are ranked 1,288th out of 51,278 researchers in economics, a very difficult position to achieve given the competitiveness of the field. In your view, what distinguishes your work and gives it such an impact?

Indeed, economics is an extremely competitive field, with a high density of researchers recognised worldwide. I believe what distinguishes my work is the choice of topics that are directly linked to major societal challenges—such as international monetary and financial dynamics, responsible finance, and climate-related risks.

Could you briefly present your research field and the subjects that most excite you?

My research lies at the intersection of international economics and finance, with a particular focus on monetary and financial dynamics, especially during crises. What excites me most is understanding how financial markets react to the major challenges of our time—whether climate change, energy transitions, or geopolitical uncertainties—and providing insights that are useful to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

In your view, which of your works have had the greatest impact and why?

Among my most impactful work, I would highlight my research that has contributed to understanding monetary policies and international capital flows during crises—topics that directly affect global economic stability. I have also contributed to research on climate risk pricing and portfolio diversification during crises, providing new insights into how markets integrate environmental risk.

How does this distinction reflect the quality of research conducted at EDC Paris and its international influence?

Beyond the individual aspect, it is also recognition for EDC Paris Business School and the OCRE Research Lab, as research is always a collective endeavour, nurtured by exchanges, collaborations, and a stimulating academic environment. I am convinced that in the coming years, other professors will join this list.

Thank you very much, Zied, for your answers. Finally, what advice would you give to students and young researchers aspiring to stand out in such a competitive field as economics?

I would tell them that the key is to remain curious and passionate, choosing topics that are meaningful to them and resonate with the major challenges of society. Research requires rigor and perseverance. Finally, I believe it is essential to keep an impact-oriented mindset: aim not only to publish but also to contribute to debates that are useful to policymakers, businesses, and citizens.