World Rankings Showcase Brightest Urban Intellectual Hubs Globally
The latest Cities in Motion Index 2025, published by the IESE Business School, has revealed the top smart cities globally. This comprehensive report ranks cities based on nine central criteria: economic performance, technology, environment, international reputation, quality of human capital, governance, urban planning, mobility, and social cohesion.
Europe dominates the top smart cities, with seven of the top ten being European cities. London, once again, takes the number one spot, followed by Paris in third place and New York City in second place, marking the highest-ranked North American city at 34th globally.
Singapore remains a leading smart city in Asia, maintaining a top 5 position thanks to its Smart Nation initiative and comprehensive use of data across sectors. Other notable Asian cities include Beijing, which stands out in mobility and transport, and Taipei City, known for its sustainable development.
The Cities in Motion Index uses factors including resident surveys and infrastructure data across 114 indicators covering 183 cities worldwide. Earlier reports, such as the IMD Smart City Index (2019), have shown Singapore, Zurich, and Oslo as the top three globally, aligning with the trends seen in the Cities in Motion Index.
In addition to European dominance, the top 10 smart cities also include Zurich, Oslo, Geneva, Copenhagen, Lausanne, London, Helsinki, and Singapore. Copenhagen ranks seventh, while San Francisco takes tenth place.
Noteworthy mentions include Tokyo, leading in urban planning, Reykjavik excelling in the environment category, and Beijing at the forefront in mobility and transport.
The report also underscores the importance of balanced development in "smart cities," emphasizing economic competitiveness, social justice, environmental responsibility, and forward-thinking urban planning.
Meanwhile, Austria is named as a travel destination to watch in 2025 by TIME Magazine, offering a glimpse into the country's potential for smart city development.
The Cities in Motion Index 2025 provides valuable insights into the global smart city landscape, highlighting the progress made by various cities and the areas where improvements are needed. As cities continue to evolve, the Index serves as a benchmark for cities to strive towards a more sustainable, technologically advanced, and socially cohesive future.
In the Cities in Motion Index 2025, cities with significant advancements in home-and-garden sectors might gain a competitive edge due to the emphasis on sustainable development, as shown by cities like Taipei. Moreover, for those seeking a unique home-and-garden lifestyle, Austria, named as a travel destination to watch in 2025 by TIME Magazine, presents an opportunity to explore its potential for smart city development.
