For the fourth time in 10 years, Winnipeg has been recognized as one of the most intelligent communities in the world. The Intelligent Community Forum’s (ICF) list of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities includes cities from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia and Vietnam. This honour follows Winnipeg’s selection to the Smart21 list in February 2021, which narrowed a competitive field of submissions down to the 21 most compelling cities.
This is Winnipeg’s ninth commendation from the ICF as a Smart21 Community since 2011. In 2018, 2016 and 2014, ICF selected Winnipeg as a Top 7 Intelligent Community, recognizing the city’s global leadership in technology deployment and effective data usage, digital innovation and advocacy, while demonstrating a commitment to using data to improve the quality of life of all its citizens.
Communities are selected by ICF based on quantitative and qualitative data related to the six factors of the ICF Method. The ICF Method provides the conceptual framework for understanding the factors that determine a community’s competitiveness in economic, social and cultural terms.
“We are pleased to see the ICF recognize Winnipeg with this designation for the fourth time. It confirms Winnipeg is a collaborative, tech-savvy city and shows the world is taking notice of the fact that Winnipeg is one of the most forward-thinking places to live, work and invest,” said Dayna Spiring, President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg. “We know the global landscape is increasingly competitive when it comes to attracting new companies and a skilled workforce to any city. Winnipeg’s Top 7 finish shines a spotlight on the key advantages that set us apart. Our ability to innovate quickly to address today’s technology challenges means better solutions for tomorrow.”
You can read more about the differentiators that helped Winnipeg make the top 7 by checking out 21 reasons Winnipeg is one of the World's smartest cities in 2021.
A large part of the growth, success and innovation Winnipeg has experienced over the last several years is due to the strong collaboration between the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, economic development agencies, grassroots organizations, industry and educations institutions. Our ability to get the right people around a table quickly has allowed us to make great strides in creating a better community for everyone.
“Winnipeg’s continued recognition in the Intelligent Community Forum’s Top 7 is a great affirmation of the transformational work being done across many sectors of our city,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Being named to the international Top 7 list for the fourth time in 10 years and the ninth time for the Smart 21 list over the same period, is strong validation that Winnipeg is a consistent competitor with cities from around the world. With a population that is expected to continue growing to a million people, Winnipeg is truly a world-class place to call home.”
ICF will announce the 2021 Intelligent Community of the Year at the ICF Summit on Oct. 28, 2021.
