according to the globalization and world cities research network which is an alpha ++?

Today the network operates as the leading thinktank on cities in globalization and has diversified into related subjects where concern for inter-city relations intersects with research on issues concerning, for instance, international business, sustainability, urban policy, and logistics. One of the current problems in research work is the long time-lag between carrying out the research and its final publication. Relations between cities have been neglected by world cities researchers the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Research Network has been formed to aid in rectifying this situation. Seven cities including Hong Kong, Paris and Tokyo occupy the next level and are classed Alpha+. GaWC Research Bulletins are publication-submission versions of academic papers reporting research on relations between world cities. Although the world/global city literature is premised upon the existence of world-wide transactions, most of the research effort has gone into studying the internal structures of individual cities and comparative analyses of the same.

Created in the Geography Department at Loughborough University, this network focuses upon research into the external relations of world cities.

According to the globalization and world cities research network which is an alpha ++?