It is a major manufacturing and transportation center; a July 2012 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit described it as one of China's "13 emerging megalopolises".[17] Chongqing is ranked as a Beta (global second-tier) city.[18] Chongqing is one of the top 100 cities in the world by scientific research outputs as tracked by the Nature Index,[19] and home to several notable universities, including Chongqing University, Southwest University, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Southwest University of Political Science and Law and Chongqing Normal University.[20][21]