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Newcastle named UK’s smartest city
Newcastle has been named as the highest UK city and ahead of some of the world’s best-known cities in the global Smart City Index.
Measuring how the lives of communities are improved by smart technology, Newcastle has climbed two places from last year’s index ranking to 21st, usurping both London and Manchester to claim the title of the UK’s smartest city.
The Smart City Index surveys approximately 120 residents from each city on how technology has improved their lives.
Newcastle has a thriving digital sector, at the heart of which lies the iconic Newcastle Helix, home to the National Innovation Centre for Data and the Urban Observatory, both of which are national players in the world of data and research.
Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Our reliance on technology has never been greater as we can all attest to with our experiences from the Covid-19 pandemic. Our city is home to some of world’s best and brightest organisations and businesses when it comes to pioneering technological research, and we are constantly striving to implement new technologies for the benefit of our residents.
“It gives me enormous pride that what takes place in Newcastle is being recognised on a global scale, and to be the leading UK city is testament to the work that takes place within the city. By far the most pleasing element is that these rankings are compiled based on the feedback of residents, and it is brilliant to see people’s admiration for the progress being made in Newcastle.”
Globally, Singapore was ranked in first, ahead of Swiss city Zurich in second and Norwegian capital Oslo in third. Other UK cities to make the list include London (22), Leeds (24), Manchester (26), and Glasgow (49).
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