He Smart Cities Index 2023published by the International Institute for Management Development (IM D) and the World Organization for Smart and Sustainable Cities (WeGO), have evaluated 141 smart cities around the world through citizen surveys as well as economic and technology data. This fourth edition is led by Zurich (Switzerland) and covers four cities in Spain: Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza.

The new Smart City Index, which evaluates cities 20% more than previous editions, is based on residents’ perceptions of using technology to improve their lives. Around 20,000 residents were surveyed on 15 aspects of urban life, structure and technology with the aim of determining whether technological solutions are effective in solving key problems.

This classification reflects the real-life experiences of residents thanks to data taken directly from the Global Data Lab’s Human Development Index (IDH), which measures life expectancy, expected years of schooling, average years of education completed, and per capita income of individual residents city.

Zurich leads the rankings

Cities in Asia and Europe occupy the top 20 positions in the IMD Smart City Index 2023. The index is led by Zurich, Oslo (Norway), Canberra (Australia), Copenhagen (Denmark), Lausanne (Switzerland), London (UK), Singapore, Helsinki (Finland), Geneva (Switzerland) and Stockholm (Sweden).

This edition reflects six cities that have shown continuous improvement or stability over the years: Zurich, Oslo, Singapore, Beijing (China), Seoul (South Korea), and Hong Kong (China). It also shows the level of intelligence that is growing in cities like Montreal (Canada), Denver (United States), Lausanne and Bilbao.

four Spanish cities

Of the four cities in Spain included in the 2023 IMD Smart City Index, Madrid remains in the same position as the previous edition (37th place). Housing prices, employment, health services, security and air pollution are the most concerning issues for its citizens.

Among the most satisfying aspects at a structural level, green spaces, cultural offerings, online purchase of show tickets, speed and reliability of the Internet to meet connectivity needs and availability of job search services stand out.

Zaragoza dropped three places (54th). The aspects with the best scores relate to basic sanitation in the poorest areas, recycling services, green spaces, cultural activities, availability of job search services and access of most children to good schools. In the area of ​​using technology, the areas of concern are the management of medical appointments (with enhanced access), online ticket purchases for cultural activities, and the speed and reliability of the Internet.

In the case of Bilbao, four places below the previous edition (27), it maintains a good perception of mobility, due to having satisfactory public transport and the use of bicycles to reduce traffic congestion; and in health and safety, for basic sanitation services that meet the needs of the poorest areas.

Regarding activity indicators, both the green space and the cultural offer are satisfactory. In addition, online purchases for shows and museums to facilitate attendance have been well rated at the technological level. Among the main concerns identified were access to affordable housing, satisfactory employment and unemployment, and security and health services.

Meanwhile, Barcelona dropped five positions (75th). It continues to feature prominently in the offer of cultural activities, availability of job search services and lifelong learning opportunities by local institutions. In the field of technology, the most satisfying aspects are buying tickets online, internet speed and managing medical appointments. However, the main issues are access to affordable housing, security and satisfying jobs.