Zurich named world's smartest city in latest IMD ranking

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has released the results of the Smart City Index, a global ranking that evaluates how cities utilize modern technology and digitalization to improve residents' quality of life. The assessment is based primarily on resident surveys covering digital service accessibility, health, safety, education, public transport, and smart living factors such as ecology and energy management.

Zurich, Switzerland, secured first place for the seventh consecutive time, being the only city to receive an overall 'AAA' rating in the Smart City category. Oslo followed in second place, with Geneva, London, Copenhagen, and Dubai rounding out the top tier. Lausanne also ranked highly in seventh position.

Notable shifts in the rankings include Washington, D.C., which climbed 23 places to 39th, and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia, which rose 27 spots to 85th. Boston was identified as the highest-ranking city in the United States at 35th place.