On the list for the third consecutive year
The list of the “smartest cities” is compiled by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a New York-based think tank that studies the impact of new technologies on economic and social life. This year, Heraklion is the only city in all of Europe to be ranked in this category.
The mayor of Heraklion, Yiannis Kourakis, visibly satisfied, stated: [quote]Based on these international assessments, Heraklion is building a strong competitive identity, with a strategic choice to develop the “smart cities” sector. We are pioneers in the field of new technologies and for this we have international recognition. It is a strategic choice for the development of the city and for this reason we will continue the effort for the benefit of citizens[/quote]
concluded the mayor.
The evaluation indicators for the "smart city" are broadband connectivity, the use of new technologies in the work sector, innovation, the use by citizens of new technologies in their daily lives and the city's promotion actions against international competition.
In addition to these indicators, this year, the ICF - as the municipality emphasizes - chose as its main evaluation topic the impact of culture on the economic and social life of the city of Heraklion, the influence of cultural heritage on modern life, how culture affects the lifestyle of citizens and how it strengthens "smart" initiatives within the city.
