Investments directed towards innovation are becoming the biggest advantage in global competition today. As of 2025, Interesting Engineering has published a list of seven cities rated as the "most intelligent" in the world. The ranking is based on the World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index and covers one hundred technology centers from San Francisco to Shenzhen. These regions unite more than 70% of all patent and venture capital investments in the world, the publication reported.
1. Zurich (Switzerland)
The success of Zurich as a "smart city" is based on the Smart City Zürich strategy, launched in 2018. The digital ecosystem combines transport, energy, and infrastructure, helping to connect buses, trains, and electric scooters into a single network through the ZVV application. The reuse of heat from enterprises as a resource serves to create a sustainable urban model.
Oslo (Norway)
Oslo has been recognized as the "Green Capital of Europe" since 2019, maintaining the AAA Environmental and Inclusive Development Assessment. The city provides 60% of its energy through hydropower sources. The Oslo Toll Ring system encourages low-waste transportation and directs fees entirely towards "green" projects.
3. Geneva (Switzerland)
Geneva has regained the AAA rating and is deeply modernizing its digital infrastructure as part of the Smart Canton program. Through the LoRaWAN network, processes for monitoring environmental indicators and increasing energy efficiency are being implemented. The city is also among the leaders in terms of education, participation, and green areas.
4.Dubai (UAE)
Dubai has made rapid progress, rising from 12th to fourth place in the 2025 Smart City Index. The city aims to reach the level of "the happiest and smartest city" through artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Projects such as DEWA Smart Grid and Dubai Silicon Oasis are taking energy efficiency to a new level.
5. Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Abu Dhabi rose from tenth to fifth place, becoming the region's innovation hub. The Zayed Smart City project, launched in 2024, optimizes city management based on artificial intelligence. Electric vehicles, hybrids, and the charging network serve as the basis for the Sustainable Energy Strategy.
6.London (Great Britain)
London has advanced in sustainable urban development with initiatives such as congestion charge, contactless payments, and low-emission zones. By 2025, it is planned to establish full 4G and 5G coverage in the metro.
7.Copenhagen (Denmark)
Having taken seventh place in the 2025 ranking, Copenhagen is approaching its goal of becoming the world's first carbon-free city, set in 2009. The fact that 62% of the population uses 400 km of bicycle paths daily clearly demonstrates the city's sustainability culture.
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