The Smart21 list recognizes cities, counties and rural areas that apply digital tools to help local economies and societies prosper. In addition to the five in Taiwan, the latest edition features seven communities in Canada, four in Australia, and one each in Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S.
When announcing the list Oct. 19, ICF co-founder Louis Zacharilla said nominees from Australia, Canada and Taiwan excelled as the countries have central governments that tend to work more closely with communities to unleash “the power of the local.” They also show strong commitment to both smart city development and the Intelligent Community movement.
Selected from nearly 400 entries, the 21 communities will vie for a place in ICF’s Top7 Intelligent Communities, set to be announced Feb. 7 next year in Taipei City. One of the seven will then be named Intelligent Community of the Year at the Intelligent Community Summit and Awards Dinner June 8 in New York.
ICF is a global movement of nearly 150 cities, urban regions and counties. The think tank studies and promotes the best practices of intelligent communities as they adapt to the demands and explore the opportunities presented by information and communications technology.
Nominees for ICF’s intelligent community awards are evaluated based on six indicators: advocacy, broadband, digital equality, innovation, knowledge workforce and sustainability. (KH-E)