Top 10 smartest cities in the world

What is a smart city, and where are the smartest cities in the world?

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

According to the IMD Smart City Index, these cities have invested in technological infrastructure, environment, and facilities for their inhabitants, making them the most futuristic. This year, European and Asian cities dominate the Top 20 and are an inspiration for improving the quality of urban life.

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

The premise this year seems to be that AI can help cities become more human-centric. Trust and good governance are increasingly important, and the importance of AI in the design and management of cities is growing, even if it sounds counter-intuitive, said Bruno Lanvin, President of the Smart Cities Observatory, part of IMD's Global Competitiveness Centre.

World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO)

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

An international partnership of local governments, smart technology solution providers and institutions based in Seoul make up the partnership. The online report serves as a benchmark for measuring progress in openness, innovation, inclusion and sustainability..

North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

A number of North American cities have been named in the top 20 since the list was created. This year all but three are Asian or European. The drop of three places for Ottawa and nine for Montreal was also a setback for Canada, as the data show a dramatic deterioration in infrastructure and safety across North America.

On the contrary, quality of life has played a positive role in European cities

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

Zurich, Oslo, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Beijing and Seoul are the highest and most consistent performers in the Top 20 since the index began in 2019. It seems likely that Sydney, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tallinn, Riyadh and Melbourne will soon enter the Top 20, judging by their momentum over the past few years.

Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

Through these variables, the aim was to demonstrate how technology is enabling cities to achieve a higher quality of life for their inhabitants.

Top 10 smartest cities in the world

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

The collaboration between IMD and WeGO will soon result in a third volume to be presented in the book Prosperous and Inclusive Cities.

1. Singapore

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

According to IMD, it was the most competitive economy in the world in 2019. Moreover, thanks to measures put in place by its government to attract Foreign Direct Investment, it has increased its attractiveness for trade. Since 2008, Singapore has established laws to make buildings sustainable, as well as to reach more than 700 kilometres of transit lanes by 2025.

2. Zurich, Switzerland

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

For many years, this city has been clear about the importance of green spaces for the quality of life of its citizens. In 1990, the Swiss capital, together with Amsterdam, signed 'The Great Compromise', a series of initiatives to improve mobility, such as limiting the number of cars in the city centre, investing in the use of bicycles, building 100% pedestrian streets, increasing the use of renewable energies and raising citizens' awareness of good practices.

3. Oslo, Norway

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

The Norwegian capital is surrounded by the Marka Forest and the Oslo Fjord, connected by waterways that in the 1990s were covered and enclosed in underground pipes. During the last decade, three kilometres of these waterways have been reopened. In addition, 56% of transport is based on renewable energy sources, rubbish trucks run on biogas and there are hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths.

4. Taipei, Taiwan

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

It hosted the Smart City Summit & Expo 2022 and won the title thanks to Big Data (real-time collection of citizens' habits and customs for the development of tools to improve their quality of life), the rapprochement between the urban and rural world through technological innovation. In addition, the government has developed an application to offer citizens a wide range of public services, which they can access from anywhere.

5. Lausanne, Switzerland

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

The second Swiss city in this article showcases its advances in education, health, recycling and green spaces. Its health system, digital infrastructure and technological culture also stand out. The city was also a pioneer in the concept of eco-community: buildings in which sustainability has been taken into account from the blueprint to the final construction.

6. Helsinki, Finland

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

Finland was one of the first countries in the world to install remote meters to record hourly electricity consumption, which facilitated energy management. And when it comes to providing information on habits and customs, the citizens of Helsinki do not hesitate to provide data to improve their quality of life. One example is the development of a GPS app that helps blind people walk the streets. They are also testing drones that can deliver medical supplies to remote villages.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

Cooperation between public and private services, together with a philosophy of research into new technologies, has earned the Danish capital seventh place. Among its aspirations is to be the first carbon neutral capital by 2025. To achieve this, energy is being produced from urban waste and a large woodchip-fuelled power plant is under construction. Access to citizen usage data has been key.

8. Geneva, Switzerland

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

The third-ranked Swiss city is home to 36 international organisations, including the WHO. In Geneva, 20 % of the city's surface area is occupied by parks and green spaces; between 2010 and 2017, overall energy consumption in buildings fell by up to 10 %; CO₂ emissions by 30 %, thanks to photovoltaic panels on public buildings. In addition, in eight years (2009-2017) energy consumption per inhabitant fell by 25 %.

9. Auckland, New Zealand

Index chooses cities that adopt strategies to withstand an uncertain future, World Organisation of Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), North American and Canadian cities unsure in their positioning, Researchers combined data and surveys of citizens in 142 cities, Top 10 smartest cities in the world, 1. Singapore, 2. Zurich, Switzerland, 3. Oslo, Norway, 4. Taipei, Taiwan, 5. Lausanne, Switzerland, 6. Helsinki, Finland, 7. Copenhagen, Denmark, 8. Geneva, Switzerland, 9. Auckland, New Zealand

A partnership between local telecommunications service SPARK and Auckland Transport has resulted in the construction of an IoT infrastructure in the Wynyard Quarter that enables remote dimming of building lights, solar-powered smart benches with charging ports for mobile phones, electric bikes and scooters, and parking sensors and smart bins that alert when maintenance is needed.