In a world where urbanization is advancing by leaps and bounds, some cities have emerged as leaders in the integration of technology and sustainability to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants. According to the Smart City Index 2024, prepared by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Zurich tops the list, followed by Oslo and Canberra.
The Cities that dared to take the leap
By: Gabriel E. Levy B.
The “Smart Cities Index 2024”, prepared by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), is one of the most complete and globally recognized assessments to measure the level of urban development based on sustainability, technology and innovation. This index not only examines a city’s ability to integrate advanced technological solutions into its infrastructure, but also how these technologies directly impact the quality of life of its citizens.
In a context where more than 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, according to UN data, this analysis acquires central relevance to understanding the future of urban life.
The index’s approach combines objective criteria, such as the efficiency of public transport, the availability of digital services and environmental sustainability, with subjective factors, obtained through surveys of citizens themselves. This balance between concrete data and human perceptions allows for a comprehensive analysis, where technology is not only an end, but a tool at the service of people.
Thus, the IMD not only measures technological implementation, but also how it promotes greater social cohesion, equity and accessibility.
The 2024 ranking highlights cities such as Zurich, Oslo and Canberra for their leadership in areas such as reducing emissions, digitising services and promoting renewable energy sources.
These cities have adopted transformative approaches that, beyond being innovative, seek to build a model of resilient urbanism in the face of global challenges such as climate change and growing population density. Through this classification, the IMD provides a valuable roadmap for governments, urban planners and citizens interested in creating more inclusive, sustainable and technologically advanced cities, setting the pulse of urban development in the 21st century.
Zurich: A model of sustainability and technology
Zurich has been recognized as the smartest city in the world thanks to its comprehensive approach to sustainability and technology.
The Swiss city has implemented efficient measures in key areas such as transport, energy and waste management, standing out for its advanced infrastructure and investment in information and communication technologies (ICT).
These initiatives have made Zurich a global benchmark in terms of urban development and sustainability.
Oslo: Commitment to reducing emissions and renewable energy
Oslo, the Norwegian capital, is in second place in the ranking thanks to its commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. The city has implemented effective policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable energy, placing itself at the forefront in the fight against climate change.
In addition, Oslo has invested heavily in ICT, improving the efficiency of public services and the quality of life of its inhabitants. The city is also committed to green transport, with an extensive network of electric vehicles and shared bicycles.
Canberra: Green spaces and low pollution
Canberra, the Australian capital, stands out in the Smart Cities Index 2024 for its low air pollution and numerous green spaces.
The city has made strides in clean energy and renewable initiatives, setting ambitious targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2045 by adopting renewable energy sources.
Geneva and Singapore: Innovation and quality of life
Geneva ranks fourth among the smartest cities in the world thanks to its focus on sustainability, innovation and quality of life.
The Swiss city has taken numerous initiatives to promote the use of renewable energies and energy efficiency, thus reducing its carbon footprint. Singapore, in fifth place, has improved thanks to its high scores in security and connectivity, implementing contactless payment technologies and open data to improve its public transport system.
Copenhagen: Ambitious sustainability goals
Copenhagen has been recognized as the sixth smartest city in the world due to its ambitious sustainability goals and innovative approach to urban management.
The Danish capital aims to become the first carbon-free city by 2025, implementing a series of measures including the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in buildings and transport.
Lausanne and London: Commitment to digitalization and renewable energy
Lausanne, in seventh place, stands out for its proximity to nature and its strong commitment to sustainable digital initiatives.
London, in eighth position, continues to stand out for the ease of online services and its sustainable commitments, with an increase in smart grids and renewable energy across the city.
Helsinki and Abu Dhabi: Innovation in public services and efficient transport
Helsinki is ranked ninth among the smartest cities in the world due to its commitment to technology, sustainability and quality of life. The Finnish capital has taken a comprehensive approach to integrating digital solutions into public administration, improving the efficiency of services and facilitating citizen participation.
Abu Dhabi, in tenth position, has made progress thanks to its efficient transport and high quality in digital education, with smart and convenient features in its transport system.
America’s backwardness:
America’s notable lag in the Smart Cities Index 2024 exposes a worrying reality: no city on the continent managed to position itself in the top 20 of the global ranking prepared by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). This contrast with regions such as Europe, Asia and Oceania, which dominate the top positions, shows a gap in the adoption of advanced technologies, sustainability and improvement of public services in American cities. Factors such as social inequality, disjointed urban policies, and lack of investment in technological infrastructure are some of the main obstacles faced by cities on the continent.
While cities such as Zurich or Oslo implement smart solutions that integrate electric transport, energy efficiency and sustainable urban planning, many cities in the Americas still grapple with basic challenges such as poor mobility, insecurity and inadequate waste management. Even iconic cities such as New York or San Francisco, recognized for their innovation in other sectors, failed to stand out due to structural barriers that limit equitable access to technology and essential services.
The lag not only affects global competitiveness, but also perpetuates social and environmental gaps, putting at risk the quality of life of millions of inhabitants in a continent full of contrasts.
In conclusion, these cities have excelled in aspects such as sustainability, technological infrastructure and quality of life, becoming global benchmarks in smart urbanization.
However, it is notable that no city in the Americas or Africa managed to position itself in the top 20, according to the report by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
