Today, Eden Strategy Institute held a web conference to announce the "Top 50 Smart City Governments 2020/2021" ranking of the world's smart cities, in which Tallinn is placed on the 12th postition.

Based on 10 key metrics, the Top 50 Smart City Governments publication gives a unique perspective on smart city efforts by focusing on the specific models and initiatives that city governments directed towards tackling increasingly complex urban needs, whilst supporting their citizen’s needs and aspirations. In 2021, the top three smartest cities are Singapore, Seoul and London. Of Tallinn's closest neighbors, Helsinki is ranked 5th, Moscow 14th and Stockholm 50th.

"I am glad that as a newcomer, Tallinn is positioned at such a high level," said Aivar Riisalu, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn. "We are proud to be among the world’s smartest cities as city with strong long-term vision, an ecosystem that supports innovation and start-ups, and smart policy-making that has already showed real results. While digital inclusion has been identified as one of the key strengths in the leader Singapore, we too are very strong in delivering digital services.”

The ranking focused specifically on the role of city governments as the main driving force in smart city development. In addition to efficiency and the application of smart technologies in the city, the report published today sheds light on cities' strategic efforts to promote innovation and support talent development.

“Top smart city governments in the 2020/2021 rankings were able to collaborate and partner with public and private sector stakeholders; use digital solutions and data to deliver services and make decisions; all while considering implications on inclusion and citizen trust”, said Calvin Chu Yee Ming, Managing Partner at Eden Strategy Institute.

More than 230 cities were evaluated and examined by Eden Strategy Institute, and city governments were invited to a Call for Proposals to submit supporting details, reports, and outcomes. Interviews were later conducted with smart city officials to validate facts and learn more in-depth about their unique challenges and pathways.

Singapore emerged top in the rankings alongside Seoul, London, Barcelona, and Helsinki; cities which are not only advanced in terms of technologies adopted throughout the city, but in their government’s efforts to bring the city population along their digitalisation journey. 

The rankings this year also revealed several smart city trends and insights. An increasing number of cities have prioritised environmental sustainability in their agenda, recognising the importance and urgency of addressing the effects of climate change. Eighteen new cities were welcomed into the Top 50 list, including cities such as Tallinn, Oslo, and Moscow.

Top 50 Smart City Government Rankings 

Rank    City	Rank   City	Rank   City
1.          Singapore 2.          Seoul 3.          London 4.          Barcelona 5.          Helsinki 6.          New York City 7.          Montreal 8.          Shanghai 9.          Vienna 10.        Amsterdam 11.        Columbus, Ohio 12.        Tallinn 13.        San Francisco 14.        Moscow 15.        Beijing 16.        Chengdu 17.        Tel Aviv	18.       Sydney 19.       Taipei 20.       Melbourne 21.       Hamilton, New Zealand 22.       Tokyo 23.       Berlin 24.       Milan 25.       Shenzhen 26.       Dublin 27.       Oslo 28.       Bandung 29.       Hangzhou 30.       Busan 31.       Adelaide 32.       Boston 33.       Wellington 34.       Dubai	35.       Copenhagen 36.       Guangzhou 37.       Seattle 38.       Frankfurt 39.       Philadelphia 40.       Los Angeles 41.       Hong Kong 42.       Chicago 43.       Christchurch 44.       Vancouver 45.       Zurich 46.       The Hague 47.       Rotterdam 48.       Lisbon 49.       Chongqing 50.       Stockholm

The full report, including detailed feature articles covering topics such as COVID-19, sustainability, data privacy, financing, and social inclusion; city as well as regional highlights; and detailed scores, is available for download on www.smartcitygovt.com.