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In an analysis of 100 cities around the world Turku, located in southwestern Finland, ranks as seventh when considering the “smartness” of the city.
Public-private partnerships, affordable technology, long-term urban and budget planning and equal access to all citizens are just a few things that make cities smart.
The ranking can be found in a tech trends report published by the American Future Today Institute.
Here are some of the other features when considering the smartness of a city:
- Abundant 4G (and soon 5G) connectivity
- The availability of public Wi-Fi hotspots
- The use of smart grids for traffic and electricity
- City-sponsored incentives for smart buildings
- Dedicated high-ranking positions in a government dedicated to technology and science
- Dedicated environmental protections for the present and future of the city
- City initiatives to reduce waste
- The availability of affordable clean energy options
- Dedication to long-term urban planning
This is the second year when the institute has ranked the smartest cities in the world.
Other Finnish cities in the top 50 include Jyväskylä (9th), Vantaa (13th) and Helsinki (33rd).
