Columbus Named Among Top 21 Intelligent Communities

Written by Innovate New Albany@InnovateNA11 years ago

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Columbus is one of only three cities in the United States named a finalist among the top 21 Intelligent Communities in the world, according to the Intelligent Communities Forum (ICF), a think tank that studies the economic and social developments spurred by advances in communications technology.

The theme for this year’s ranking, innovation and employment, explores the often challenging balancing act that can result when new technologies destroy instead of add jobs. Additionally, each community was judged based upon ICF’s Intelligent Community Indicators — broadband, knowledge workforce, digital inclusion, innovation and marketing and advocacy.

Selection for the top 21 is based off of nominations submitted from around the world with research conducted by ICF, a think tank that studies the economic and social development of the 21st-century community.

According to Louis Zacharilla, cofounder of ICF, the ranking focused on communities that found ways to make sure that technology doesn’t end employment, but actually creates opportunities and jobs. ICF will narrow down the list of nominees to a top seven list of intelligent communities and in 2013, the organization will select its top winner.

For a full list of nominees visit www.govtech.com.

Innovate New Albany, the city’s incubator for technology startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses, features 16,000 square feet of space within the New Albany Business Park’s Signature Office Building, 8000 Walton Parkway.