The world of science according to performance indicators based on percentile ranking normalization

The academic research performance of the world over the decade from 2000 to 2010 is assessed using indicators of various orders based on quality values assigned to percentile ranking classes. Quality proxies are derived from citation data and quantity proxies from publication data from the Web of Science. Percentile ranking classification is based on the protocol adopted by the National Science Board of the United States for their Science and Engineering Indicators 2012. The percentile ranking normalization scheme is combined with the understanding in terms of higher order performance indicators like quasity and exergy to assess the progress of academic research performance of the world. Both first-order and second-order indicators show a decline of the US and Japan and an increase in impact of China and Asia-8. The EU can be considered as marginally increasing its impact at the aggregated level of all fields.