The number of cities in the modern world is in the thousands. But only a few of them are actively introducing the latest technology into their lives. The most modern cities in the world - what are they? By what signs can they be recognized? In this article, we will tell you about the most “smart” and high-tech megacities of the planet that know how and want to keep up with the times.
City evolution
Today, about half of the world's population lives in cities. Experts predict that by 2030 the share of urban residents will reach 60%, and by the middle of this century - will exceed 70%. For decades now, cities have been the locomotives of the global economy, the most high-quality "human capital" flocking here. Today, in many countries, cities and megacities account for about 80% of GDP.
At the same time, modern cities of the world are actively developing and evolving. Urbanists distinguish three stages through which any urban settlement passes:
- The first stage is the “industrial city”. Industry is actively developing in it, large enterprises are located (often not distinguished by environmental cleanliness). Industrial cities are distinguished by a clear layout and the division of urban space into specific zones - industrial, residential, park, recreational.
- The second stage is the “humanistic city”. In it, heavy industry is gradually replaced by light and food, as well as enterprises in the service sector. The concept of such a city was first proposed by the American Jane Jacobs in the early 60s.
- The third stage is the “post-industrial city”. This is a major educational, cultural and scientific-technical center. Financial markets, research institutes and the knowledge economy come to the fore here.
10 most modern cities in the world
Which city can be called “smart” and high-tech? Experts identify the following signs of smart city. Among them:
- Rational use of natural and land resources.
- Energy efficiency and operation of renewable energy sources.
- Eco-friendly and smart transport.
- Integrated waste management.
- Optimization of traffic and parking.
- Widespread free wifi.
But the main feature of the “smart city” is the involvement of the so-called intelligent services in the functioning of key city systems (water supply, gas supply, municipal transport, etc.).
Having analyzed several authoritative analytical ratings (Forbes, Tech Insider, Juniper Research, Knight Frank), we compiled our list of ten most modern cities in the world. It included:
- Curitiba (Brazil).
- Boston (USA).
- Seoul (South Korea).
- Stuttgart (Germany).
- Copenhagen (Denmark).
- London, England).
- Barcelona, Spain).
- Shenzhen (China).
- New York, USA).
- Singapore.
Below you will find brief descriptions and photos of modern cities of the world from our rating.
Curitiba
Brazilian Curitiba is one of the most modern cities in the world. The local public transport system, developed by Jaime Lerner, made a real sensation among urbanists. The following facts speak eloquently about the successes of Curitiba:
- Bus transport in the city functions as efficiently as a light metro, but costs the municipal budget ten times cheaper.
- Curitiba has the world's largest pedestrian zone.
- Curitiba’s transport consumes 30% less fuel than other cities.
- 99% of the inhabitants of Curitiba are completely satisfied with their life in this city.
Boston
Boston is one of the key US scientific and technological strongholds. A number of innovative technologies are developed here - at Harvard, Massachusetts technological and other institutes. In the same American city, research centers of two largest companies operate - Facebook and Amazon.
Seoul
The capital of the Republic of Korea is often called the "city of the future." And there is not the slightest exaggeration. Innovation is almost built into the frame of this city. According to some reports, the number of patents issued here is higher than in any other city on the planet.
Stuttgart
German Stuttgart is another contender for the title of the most modern city in the world. He is one of the five cities in the number of patents granted. Today, the IT industry is booming in Stuttgart. Many global corporations, such as Bosch, IBM, Porsche, have their headquarters here.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the bicycle capitals of Europe. Here all the necessary infrastructure has been created for movement on two-wheeled vehicles. In addition, a city traffic control program has been created in the city, and a data exchange database has been developed, in which all social institutions and structures are involved - administration, police, ambulance, etc.
London
The British capital is considered the birthplace of many innovative projects. Perhaps the main one is a large-scale update of the local metro, for which about $ 20 billion was allocated. London was one of the first cities in Europe to seriously collapse due to traffic jams. Back in 2002, they carried out a comprehensive transport reform, which allowed to solve this problem. And in 2014, “smart parking” began to work in London.
Barcelona
The capital of Catalonia is not only a well-known tourist center, but also one of the largest smart cities (according to Forbes magazine). Modern parking lots, smart watering systems, automatic street lighting control, smart meters that analyze the consumption of resources - all this has long been implemented and effectively used in Barcelona. In addition, a unique Sentilo system operates here, which collects a variety of data from hundreds of different city sensors.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a city in southern China. Half a century ago, in its place was a tiny village. Today it is a large metropolis with a population of ten million people and rapidly growing GDP. Almost half of all Chinese patents are registered here. The city has 11 free trade zones, each of which specializes in a specific area of the economy. Shenzhen collects products from such well-known brands as Sony, Apple, Microsoft.
New York
New York is one of the largest cities in the modern world, a metropolis with a population of 12 million. Innovative technologies "Big Apple" develops no less intensively. Among the main achievements of the city are intelligent street lighting, “smart” garbage containers with special sensors, as well as advanced security systems.
Singapore
The city-state-port of Singapore often takes the first position in various ratings of the most modern cities.
Smart technologies are widely implemented in the traffic system: Singapore's roads are equipped with smart traffic lights and special sensors that determine the density of traffic. The city is also equipped with a smart parking system. In addition, it is here that it is planned to test the first batch of unmanned vehicles.