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Photo Credit: Tallinn Convention Bureau, Kaupo Kalda

Today, Eden Strategy Institute held a web conference to announce the “Top 50 Smart City Governments 2020/2021” ranking of the world’s smart cities, in which Tallinn is placed in the 12th position.

Based on 10 key metrics, the Top 50 Smart City Governments publication gives a unique perspective on smart city efforts by focusing on the specific models and initiatives that city governments directed towards tackling increasingly complex urban needs, whilst supporting their citizen’s needs and aspirations. In 2021, the top three smartest cities are Singapore, Seoul and London. Of Tallinn’s closest neighbours, Helsinki is ranked 5th, Moscow 14th and Stockholm 50th.

“I am glad that as a newcomer, Tallinn is positioned at such a high level,” said Aivar Riisalu, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn. “We are proud to be among the world’s smartest cities as a city with a strong long-term vision, an ecosystem that supports innovation and start-ups, and smart policy-making that has already shown real results. While digital inclusion has been identified as one of the key strengths in the leader Singapore, we too are very strong in delivering digital services.”

“Top smart city governments in the 2020/2021 rankings were able to collaborate and partner with public and private sector stakeholders; use digital solutions and data to deliver services and make decisions; all while considering implications on inclusion and citizen trust”, said Calvin Chu Yee Ming, Managing Partner at Eden Strategy Institute.

tallinn_estonia
Photo Credit: Tallinn Convention Bureau, Kaupo Kalda

The ranking focused specifically on the role of city governments as the main driving force in smart city development. In addition to efficiency and the application of smart technologies in the city, the report published today sheds light on cities’ strategic efforts to promote innovation and support talent development.

More than 230 cities were evaluated and examined by Eden Strategy Institute, and city governments were invited to a Call for Proposals to submit supporting details, reports, and outcomes. Interviews were later conducted with smart city officials to validate facts and learn more in-depth about their unique challenges and pathways.

Singapore emerged top in the rankings alongside Seoul, London, Barcelona, and Helsinki; cities which are not only advanced in terms of technologies adopted throughout the city, but in their government’s efforts to bring the city population along their digitalisation journey.

The rankings this year also revealed several smart city trends and insights. An increasing number of cities have prioritised environmental sustainability in their agenda, recognising the importance and urgency of addressing the effects of climate change. Eighteen new cities were welcomed into the Top 50 list, including cities such as Tallinn, Oslo, and Moscow.

Top 50 Smart City Government Rankings

1. Singapore
2. Seoul
3. London
4. Barcelona
5. Helsinki
6. New York City
7. Montreal
8. Shanghai
9. Vienna
10. Amsterdam
11. Columbus, Ohio
12. Tallinn
13. San Francisco
14. Moscow
15. Beijing
16. Chengdu
17. Tel Aviv
18. Sydney
19. Taipei
20. Melbourne
21. Hamilton, New Zealand
22. Tokyo
23. Berlin
24. Milan
25. Shenzhen
26. Dublin
27. Oslo
28. Bandung
29. Hangzhou
30. Busan
31. Adelaide
32. Boston
33. Wellington
34. Dubai
35. Copenhagen
36. Guangzhou
37. Seattle
38. Frankfurt
39. Philadelphia
40. Los Angeles
41. Hong Kong
42. Chicago
43. Christchurch
44. Vancouver
45. Zurich
46. The Hague
47. Rotterdam
48. Lisbon
49. Chongqing
50. Stockholm

The full report, including detailed feature articles covering topics such as COVID-19, sustainability, data privacy, financing, and social inclusion; city as well as regional highlights; and detailed scores, is available for download on www.smartcitygovt.com.

FIND OUT MORE

Visit Tallinn Convention Bureau
Kaarli pst1 / Roosikrantsi 2
Tallinn, 10119

T: +372 640 4414
E: convention@visittallinn.ee
W: www.visittallinn.ee

Event planners can find out everything about organising their events in Tallinn here.

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