A list of the seven most intelligent cities in the world has been revealed - and its (previously unsung) winners come as a pleasant surprise.
The Intelligent Community Forum has revealed its annual Top7 Intelligent Communities. Towns and cities that made the cut came from five different nations including: three from the United States and one each from Australia, Brazil, Canada and Taiwan.
The accolade was awarded to communities who had planned their futures in a way that was consistent with cultural identity, while also using digital tools and technology.
Some of these achievements included improving healthcare, growing telecommunications, finding new ways to increase employment levels and focusing on sustainability.
The communities that made the cut were...
7 Most Intelligent Communities Around The World
ICF co-founder, Louis Zacharilla said that the group represents a range of different approached and planning strategies.
“Each is ‘revolutionary’ in its own way, and each has planned its future in a way that is consistent with its cultural identity, while using universally available digital tools and broadband technology," he added.
"As we have seen each year, cities, towns and regions that continue to work with these tools and concepts transform themselves from ‘smart’ to ‘intelligent,’ which is how real sustainable growth and investment will arrive."
So what's next for the Top7? The Intelligent Community Forum Awards will come to a head in June 2015, when one of the aforementioned towns or cities will win the Intelligent Community of the Year award. Watch this space.
[H/T Independent]