Ericsson index ranks cities by ICT capitalisation
Ericsson, the telecoms technology provider, has published the second edition of its annual run down of the top 25 cities to best capitalise on information and communication technology.
Seoul topped the chart this year thanks to efforts to realise the environmental benefit of various high tech initiatives.
They were closely followed by the city state of Singapore which has driven innovation in e-health and pioneered an innovative traffic management system.
The survey also found several developing economies were also closing the gap on their rich world peers with cities such as Sao Paulo and Delhi launching successful e-inclusion programs.
Eko, a system which allows people to complete low value financial transactions via their mobile phones, was singled out for particular praise.
Erik Almqvist, Director Arthur D. Little, said: "As people get their most basic needs satisfied, attention shifts to e.g., balanced life styles, a rich cultural scene, good transport and transaction facilities,
good health also in their senior years, self-fulfillment - for example - in terms of higher education and a clean environment throughout the city.
“ICT has the potential to improve quality of life in many of these fields and connectivity itself anytime anywhere is increasingly regarded as a basic citizen's right."