The Sunshine Coast has been recognised as one of the world’s Top7 Intelligent Communities, for the fourth year in a row.
The region was acknowledged as one of the globe’s leading regions for digital innovation, workforce development, business investment, sustainability and fostering community success by the New York-based Intelligent Community Forum.
The Top7 represents models of economic and social transformation that demonstrate best practices in broadband deployment and use, workforce development, innovation, digital inclusion and advocacy, offering lessons to regions, cities, towns and villages around the world.
Other regions in the Top7 include Binh Duong Smart City in Vietnam, Coral Gables and Hilliard in the United States, Curtiba in Brazil, Durham Region in Canada and Greater Geelong in Australia.
ICF co-founder Louis Zacharilla said it was a mature and diverse group.
“Most have been working on their digital and acceleration programs for years and have made historic progress for their nations,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the acknowledgement provided the region with an amazing opportunity to showcase everything it had to offer.
“Being recognised among the Top7 Intelligent Communities for the fourth year in a row reinforces the impact and value of Sunshine Coast Council’s regional economic, environment and community strategies,” he said.
“The accolade is a huge testament to council’s long-term strategy delivered in partnership with the community, education and industry leaders over many years.
“It also showcases the important work being done as part of the Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 to position the Sunshine Coast as Australia’s most sustainable region: healthy, smart, creative.”
The ICF will determine in October which of the Top7 finalists will be named the prestigious Intelligent Community of Year for 2023, based on a second round of analysis, including site visits by ICF’s judges and the assessment of an international jury.
