Zurich named world's smartest city for seventh consecutive year

Zurich has been named the world’s smartest city for the seventh consecutive year according to the 2026 IMD Smart City Index. The Swiss city was the only one to receive an overall AAA rating in the study.

The ranking, conducted by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), evaluated 148 cities globally. The assessment focused on how effectively cities use technology and innovation to address practical challenges such as traffic, public transport, sustainability, and quality of life. Key criteria included economic and technological infrastructure, environmental factors, and social inclusion.

While maintaining its top position, resident feedback indicated areas for improvement, specifically regarding the availability of affordable housing.