Imagine a city where morning commutes are seamless, air quality is pristine, and everyday tasks are simplified through intuitive technology. This vision is becoming reality in cities around the world, as they embrace smart solutions to improve safety, efficiency, and quality of life. The 2024 IMD Smart City Index (SCI) captures this transformation by ranking 142 cities based on how they integrate technology to tackle challenges in health, mobility, governance, and environmental sustainability.
Now in its fifth year, the SCI spotlights urban centres at the cutting edge of innovation, offering a glimpse into what it takes to lead in a rapidly evolving digital age.
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Key Trends in the Smart City Index 2024
This year’s SCI reveals several notable trends: European and Asian cities continue to lead the charge. For the fifth consecutive year, Zurich secures the top spot, followed by Oslo and Canberra in Australia. These cities excel by prioritising smart technology that addresses local needs, whether in urban mobility, digital accessibility, or sustainability.
In contrast, North American cities like Washington D.C. and New York dropped in the rankings, highlighting challenges related to infrastructure and public safety.
Other cities made impressive leaps in 2024, with Taipei entering the top 20 for the first time.
Top Performing Smart Cities in 2024
| Rank | City | Change in Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich | 0 |
| 2 | Oslo | 0 |
| 3 | Canberra | 0 |
| 4 | Geneva | +5 |
| 5 | Singapore | +2 |
| 6 | Copenhagen | -2 |
| 7 | Lausanne | -2 |
| 8 | London | -2 |
| 9 | Helsinki | -1 |
| 10 | Abu Dhabi | +3 |
Behind the Top Ranks
Zurich, ranked first for five consecutive years, exemplifies smart urban planning. Its eco-friendly mobility options, extensive digital infrastructure, and inclusive programs for residents enhance quality of life.
Similarly, Oslo and Canberra have implemented advanced smart systems to tackle urban challenges, including AI-driven public safety programs to sustainable transportation networks.
In Asia, Singapore and Abu Dhabi maintain strong positions within the top 20, reflecting their commitment to integrating digital solutions for both residents and businesses, not least to maintain their strong performance in fdi and talent attraction.
Emerging Contenders and Fast Movers
Beyond the top ranks, several cities have shown significant improvement. Taipei made a notable leap to enter the top 20 for the first time, reflecting Taiwan’s dedication to building smart infrastructure and bridging the digital divide.
Meanwhile, Luxembourg and Kuala Lumpur saw sharp climbs. Notably, Luxembourg moved up 18 places due to its digital innovation and efficient governance.
Biggest Movers and Shakers
| City | Change in Rank | New Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Riga | +24 | 59 |
| Vilnius | +18 | 47 |
| Luxembourg | +18 | 27 |
| Kuala Lumpur | +16 | 73 |
| Ljubljana | +15 | 32 |
Methodology: How the Smart City Index 2024 Measures Progress
The IMD Smart City Index 2024 evaluates the perceptions of urban residents regarding their cities’ infrastructure and technological solutions. It ranks 142 cities worldwide, offering a comprehensive view of urban development and innovation.
Key aspects of the methodology include:
- Resident-Centric Insights: Data is based on feedback from 120 residents per city, weighted across three years to reflect recent developments. Data from 2024, 2023, and 2021 is combined using a 3:2:1 weighting ratio.
- Dual Pillars:
- Structures: Measures the quality of a city’s infrastructure.
- Technology: Evaluates the availability and use of technological solutions.
- Evaluation Dimensions: Each pillar is assessed across five critical areas: health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance.
- HDI-Based Grouping: Cities are categorized into four groups based on the Global Data Lab’s Human Development Index (HDI), ensuring fair comparisons among cities with similar development levels.
- Ranking Formats: Results are presented in two formats: an overall ranking (1 to 142), and individual ratings for each pillar.
This structured methodology balances residents’ perceptions with objective grouping, highlighting how cities across varying development levels innovate to improve urban life.
Key Takeaway
The IMD Smart City Index 2024, published by the Smart City Observatory at the IMD World Competitiveness Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, in partnership with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), sheds light on the transformative role of smart technologies in urban development. IMD, a globally renowned business school, leverages its expertise in competitiveness and management education to produce this comprehensive ranking.
This year’s index highlights the growing importance of digital equity, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability. It reveals increasing resident concerns about security, road congestion, and trust in governance. Cities like Zurich and Oslo, which prioritize these aspects, not only maintain their high rankings but also set benchmarks for others to follow.
The report underscores the rising significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in urban planning and management. AI continues to drive innovations that improve safety, efficiency, and inclusivity, reflecting the evolving role of digitalization in shaping governance, mobility, and overall quality of life in cities around the world.
For a detailed look at the full rankings and insights, visit IMD’s Smart City Index (SCI) 2024.
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