Joint research conducted by SCImago Labs and ORCID reveals that something often
perceived as a quiet administrative choice can, in fact, reflect institutional strength and
strategic intent. The study explores how the adoption of ORCID is evolving from researcher
identification into a meaningful indicator of research ecosystem maturity, and the results
paint an encouraging picture for institutions investing in robust digital infrastructure.
At the centre of the research is the concept of institution-asserted affiliations, which create a
trust marker in the ORCID record. These are verified pieces of information added to ORCID
records directly by institutions, signalling that the organisation actively supports
authenticated researcher identities and interoperable research systems. Rather than leaving
identity management entirely to individual researchers, institutions that assert affiliations
demonstrate coordination, investment, and long-term commitment to the integrity of their
research metadata.
Drawing on ORCID affiliation data linked to the SCImago corpus, the study analysed
patterns across 9,720 institutions worldwide. The findings reveal a clear and statistically
significant association between the strategic use of trust markers and stronger research
visibility, as well as higher positions in global rankings. While trust-marked affiliations still
represent a relatively small share of total ORCID records, their presence is consistently
aligned with improved institutional performance.
On average, institution-asserted affiliations account for just under one percent of SCImago-
linked ORCID records. This modest figure does not diminish their importance. On the
contrary, it highlights how targeted, high-quality adoption can deliver outsized benefits.
Institutions with higher proportions of trust-marked affiliations tend to perform better across
ranking systems, suggesting that intentional identity management supports the broader
conditions needed for research excellence.
The study also shows that ORCID practices reflect the diversity of the global research
landscape. Adoption patterns vary across regions and sectors, shaped by differences in digital
infrastructure, research culture, and policy frameworks. Research-intensive institutions are
more likely to move beyond basic ORCID uptake and toward systematic institutional
assertion, while others are at earlier stages of this digital transition. Together, these patterns
illustrate how ORCID is becoming embedded within institutional strategies in ways that align
with local priorities and capacities.
Importantly, the research frames trust markers as signals rather than shortcuts. They do not
directly generate higher rankings, but they align closely with organisational qualities that do.
Institutions that invest in verified ORCID data are often those with mature research
governance, integrated information systems, and a strong focus on global visibility. These
same qualities underpin high research output, impact, and reputation, which are captured by
international ranking indicators.
By connecting researcher identity management with performance outcomes, the joint study
offers a more holistic view of what drives institutional success. It suggests that excellence is
supported not only by what institutions produce, but by how effectively they manage and
present their research activity within an increasingly digital and interconnected ecosystem.
The collaboration between SCImago Labs and ORCID ultimately delivers an optimistic
message. Even small steps toward verified, institution-backed researcher profiles can
contribute to stronger visibility and recognition. As research evaluation continues to rely on
trusted, interoperable data, institution-asserted ORCID records stand out as a practical and
forward-looking investment, reinforcing the foundations of institutional excellence in the
global research landscape.