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For the fifth consecutive year, Zurich has retained the top position in the IMD Smart Cities Index for 2024.

The top 10 cities in the list are dominated by Asian and European cities, with Abu Dhabi securing the tenth spot.

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The IMD Smart Cities Index for 2024 is the second report published by the Smart City Observatory, a part of the Global Competitiveness Center at the International Institute for Management Development, in partnership with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) based in Seoul, an international association of local governments, smart technology solution providers, and institutions.

Evaluation and Data Collection

Researchers evaluated the selected cities on the list by collecting documented data and survey responses from citizens in 142 cities worldwide to show how technology enables cities to achieve a better quality of life for their residents.

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The detailed results serve as a valuable benchmark for progress in areas such as openness, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Remarks from Bruno Lanvin

Bruno Lanvin, President of the Smart City Observatory, stated, “Cities must design and adopt strategies that enable them to resist increasing future challenges.” He added, “Health concerns remain high, while climate concerns are growing, creating a complex mix due to renewed international tensions. The importance of trust and good governance is increasing, and the role of artificial intelligence in city design and management is expected to grow. Although it may seem counterintuitive, artificial intelligence can help cities become more human-centered.”

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Top 20 Cities Dominated by Asian and European Cities

The top 20 cities this year are characterized by the dominance of Asian and European cities, with American cities such as Washington D.C., Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, as well as Ottawa and Montreal in Canada, not making the top 20 for the first time since the index’s inception in 2019.

Lanvin noted, “Last year, most American cities rose in the index, but they fell this year.” He added, “Some explanations can be found in Biden’s Build Back Better plan, which had a positive impact, while the upcoming elections this year make people more critical of areas needing improvement in America.”

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Top 10 Smartest Cities for 2024

1. Zurich
   • Zurich retains the top spot with a AAA rating, the highest smart city index rating.
   • The Swiss city also received AAA ratings for infrastructure and AA ratings for technology.
2. Oslo
   • Oslo holds the second spot for the second consecutive year, with AA ratings in the smart city index.
   • The city received AA ratings for infrastructure and an A rating for technology.
3. Canberra
   • The Australian capital, Canberra, ranks third among the world’s smartest cities, maintaining its position from last year.
   • Canberra received AA ratings in the smart city index, AAA ratings for infrastructure, and an A rating for technology.

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1. Geneva
   • Geneva ranks fourth among the world’s smartest cities, moving up five spots from last year.
   • The city received AAA ratings in the smart city index, infrastructure, and AA ratings for technology.
2. Singapore
   • Singapore ranks fifth among the world’s smartest cities, moving up two spots from last year.
   • The city received A ratings in the smart city index, infrastructure, and technology.
3. Copenhagen
   • Copenhagen ranks sixth among the world’s smartest cities, dropping two spots from last year.
   • The city received AA ratings in the smart city index, infrastructure, and an A rating for technology.
4. Lausanne
   • Lausanne ranks seventh among the world’s smartest cities, dropping two spots from last year.

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   •  The Swiss city received AA ratings in the smart city index, infrastructure, and an A rating for technology.

5. London
   • London ranks eighth among the world’s smartest cities, dropping two spots from last year.
   • The city received A ratings in the smart city index, BBB ratings for infrastructure, and AA ratings for technology.
6. Helsinki
   • Helsinki ranks ninth among the world’s smartest cities, dropping one spot from last year.
   • The city received AA ratings in the smart city index, infrastructure, and an A rating for technology.
7. Abu Dhabi
   • Abu Dhabi ranks tenth among the world’s smartest cities, moving up three spots from last year.
   • The city received BB ratings in the smart city index, infrastructure, and technology.