Top 100 world cities for an innovation economy in 2011.

The world’s largest city classification and ranking with 331 benchmark cities classified, and top 125 cities ranked in 2011, of which the top 100 are listed below. Based on 2thinknow analysis of cities in what our analysts term the ‘global innovation economy’. Annual since 2007.

INDEXES > TOP 100 | AMERICAS | EUROPE | ASIA | EMERGING | GLOBAL

View current Media Release + Read the 2011 FAQ

Key to index.

All cities are graded into award categories based on their index score. In descending order of importance to the innovation economy:

NEXUS: Critical nexus for multiple economic and social innovation segments

HUB: Dominance or influence on key economic and social innovation segments , based on global trends

NODE: Broad performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances

INFLUENCER: Competitive in some segments, potential or imbalanced

UPSTART: Potential steps towards relative future performance in a few innovation segments

Regions are defined as follows:

AMERICAS: North and South America

EUROPE: The U.N. defined Europe with European union, Western Russia, Israel and major Turkish cities

ASIA: Asia and Oceania (Australia/NZ)

EMERGING: Mid-East, Africa, Turkey and Caucasus states

Full details

Purchase City Benchmarking Data to measure a single city or compare cities.

Read the analyst city report to understand how to build urban innovation economies.

Or place an annual subscription for an affordable full package of analysis.

Methodology in brief:

The Index is the most comprehensive city ranking and scoring. Each city was selected from 1,540 cities based on basic factors of health, wealth, population, geography. The selected 331 cities had data extracted the city benchmarking data program on 162 indicators. Each of the benchmarking data were scored by analysts using best available qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics (see City Benchmarking Data to purchase city data). Where data was unavailable, national or state estimates were used.

Data was then trend balanced against 21 global trends, by analysts.For the final index had a zeitgeist (analyst confidence) factor added, and score reduced to a 3 factor score for Cultural Assets, Human Infrastructure and Networked Markets. For city Classification, these scores were competitively graded into 5 bands (Nexus, Hub, Node, Influencer, Upstart)

The top 33% of Nexus and Hub ( and selected Node cities of future interest)  final graded scores were ranked by analysts based on trends over 2-5 years. From this global Index, 4 regional indexes for Americas, Europe, Asia and Emerging are also produced.

Please note the full list above is classified (Node, Influencer, Upstart) not ranked except wher a rank is noted. Rankings are just for general information. A node ranking is considered globally competitive. More discussion and questions answered in this FAQ.

For more details on methodology, please see the FAQ or order the Innovation Cities Analysis Report.

Reproduction of this list:

The indexes and supporting materials are copyright and used under license by 2thinknow. You may reproduce the statistics and indexes in any reasonable form, graphics, or data mash-up as long as you attribute it to 2thinknow and do not modify the numbers or otherwise mislead. The easy correct way to do this is as follows:

Source: 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program: www.innovation-cities.com [or the link of the page you are referencing]

2thinknow do reserve all rights, including the right to ask content to be removed.

About 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program:

Based in Melbourne Australia, 2thinknow are the world’s first innovation agency. Established 2006 we have  designed original  models to measure and deliver innovation to cities, business seeking new markets and growth, and NGO/government clients.

2thinknow Innovation Cities Program to provide powerful tools for creating an innovation economy. This includes the city benchmarking data details on cities by segment globally, recently launched local innovation forum events, analyst reports such as the flagship Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report

In 2011, in the Innovation Course, we are teaching our clients new innovation methods and practices. 2thinknow work with other clients through innovation consulting, analyst reports, projects  and innovation services, as well as a number of online resources and groups.

Since 2009, 2thinknow as world’s first innovation agency have classified cities for broad-based innovation. 2thinknow have published the Innovation Cities Indexes city rankings free online since 2007, when they started with a very small 22 cities.

This is now 331 cities in the 2011 year, and is the world’s largest and most diverse city ranking.

Contact 2thinknow here: http://www.2thinknow.com/feedback/ or via twitter @2thinknow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

“Which cities are innovation economy winners? 2thinknow Annual Innovation Cities Index released today.”

RELEASED MONDAY 6:01 PM EDT (New York) / TUESDAY 12:01 AM CET (Paris) / TUESDAY 9:01 AM AEST (Melbourne)

2THINKNOW // MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — Boston came first again in a field of 331 cities in the Innovation Cities Global Index. This year’s top cities were rounded out by San Francisco Bay Area, Paris, New York and Vienna, as the 5th annual index was released today by analysts from innovation agency 2thinknow. 2thinknow is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data identified innovation as the key driver of economic recovery from previous recessions and downturns for nations, and 2thinknow’s annual index extends this to cities.

According to 2thinknow Executive Director, Christopher Hire, “2thinknow identify key city innovation in amidst moribund national economies. 2thinknow analysts specialise in city-level data measuring city-centric economic activity. Our Innovation Cities Framework model assumes specific cities will perform out of pattern with nations, as nations enter or exit economic malaise, or multi-speed economies.”

Benchmarked cities are scored and classified by 2thinknow annually based on their ability to generate product, process, service and other innovation types across an urban economy.

“City innovation turns into economic good news in 2 to 5 years for many industries.”

The analysts first named Boston as the second-top global innovation destination in 2007. In 2011, the analysts stated that Boston’s dominant institutions Harvard and MIT, business, and strengthening start-up and arts network kept the city number one overall globally. In Canada, Nexus city Toronto moved up two places to 10th globally. Montreal joined Seattle and Los Angeles as North American Nexus cities for the first time.

In Asia, Hong Kong climbed to 15th globally and first Nexus in Asia, ahead of Australia’s city economies represented by Melbourne and Sydney, at 17th and 20th respectively. A weakened Tokyo moved temporarily down to 22nd place ahead of a steady Shanghai (24) among a record 24% Asian Nexus cities, also including Seoul. China’s economic performance to date was reflected by more Chinese cities than ever in the global Index, and the entry of cities like Wuhan and Chengdu for the first time.

In 2011 the Index foresees stronger U.S. innovation performance over 2 to 5 years, based on mid-size city businesses seeking innovation opportunities in global cities. 2thinknow noted that across the USA, most major U.S. cities were likely to be globally competitive Node or above, by meeting mid-level benchmarks for innovation. The analysts identified Human Infrastructure and Cultural Asset investment as key to stronger U.S. innovation performance.

European cities continued to place well, often indicating a separation between city and national performance. Germany’s Munich continued climbing up to 7th place from 15th. Amid struggling UK cities London improved to 11th from 14th, as Manchester (32nd) rose to Nexus status for the first time.

Most Barcelona (19), Milan (16), Madrid (52) and Torino (80) ranked counter to poor national trends for Italian and Spanish cities. Other top tier European Nexus cities listed included Amsterdam (6), Lyon (8), Copenhagen (9), Frankfurt (12), Hamburg (13) and Berlin (14).

According to 2thinknow, Executive Director, Christopher Hire, the “Innovation Cities Global Index measures cities as innovation economies. This goes beyond technology or patents alone. 2thinknow analysts also collect data on assess transport, universities, arts, design, sustainability, economics, start-up facilities, labor as well as other factors to measure the opportunities cities offer their citizens. We aim to measure cities economic opportunity not nations.”

The top 10% of 331 cities were classified as Nexus cities by the analysts. Nexus cities were the analysts best general destinations for innovation, followed by the next 73 Hub cities named as challengers in many sectors of the city economy.

Global Hub cities rising in the analyst rankings this year included Bordeaux, Vancouver, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Orlando and Shenzhen. Well-known cities the analysts discounted significantly this year included St Petersburg, Moscow and Buenos Aires (replaced in South America by São Paulo). Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod technology city and Rostov-na-Donu entered the Index for the first time, as Mumbai became India’s first Hub city. Cape Town this year became the first African Hub city. Adelaide in Australia also became an Asian Hub based on new investment activity.

The balance of cities were classified as Node cities or in two lower performance bands. According to the analyst’s classification, Node cities are globally competitive for innovation. The lower two bands of Upstart and Influencer were names as strong classifications for developing cities.

In 2011 there were 331 cities benchmarked for innovation, up from 289 cities in 2010 and compared with 256 cities in 2009. The top 125 cities were ranked by the analysts based on 21 current global trends, listed in the accompanying Innovation Cities Analysis report. The indicators framework, models and global analysis of trend impact were also outlined in the report. 2thinknow launched the index in 2007 and expanded the index in 2009 to 289 cities.

Each year, the global index and top rankings are released with four regional indexes, that classify and rank the top cities for North & South America, Europe, Asia and Emerging regions. In 2007 the analysts predicted the Global Financial Crisis as a “September (2008) shock event”, and Indexes predicted London’s fall and foresaw counter-cyclical strong performance of German and French cities overall.

Cities move in the Index rankings over 2 or 3 year periods. According to the analysts innovation potential realised in 2011 translates into economic benefits in 2013 to 2016, and social benefits after this period.

The analysts noted that city performance can be faster to turn around than overall national performance.

— ENDS—

SPOKESPERSON

Christopher Hire
Executive Director
2thinknow ICP

+61 409 787 960 (Mobile)
+61 3 9935 2927

TIME: Melbourne, Australia (AEST)

Rapid email: media@2thinknow.com

About 2thinknow.

2thinknow is the world’s first innovation agency established in Melbourne in 2006. The Innovation Cities Program by 2thinknow commenced in 2007 from 2005 research. 2thinknow develops innovative data collection and analysis techniques based on sector innovation by city location.

2thinknow delivers City Benchmarking Data, analyst reports, the Innovation Course and other innovation services to city, business and government clients. See http://www.2thinknow.com

INDEXES TEXT LINKS

AMERICAS: http://www.innovation-cities.com/2011-Innovation-Cities-Index-City-Rankings-USA-Canada-South-America/

EUROPE: http://www.innovation-cities.com/2011-Innovation-Cities-Index-City-Rankings-EU-Germany-France-UK-Spain-Europe/

ASIA: http://www.innovation-cities.com/2011-Innovation-Cities-Index-City-Rankings-Asia-Australia-China-NZ-Korea-Japan/

EMERGING: http://www.innovation-cities.com/2011-Innovation-Cities-Index-City-Rankings-Mid-East-UAE-Africa-Emerging/

GLOBAL: http://www.innovation-cities.com/2011-Innovation-Cities-Index-World-City-Rankings/

CITY RESOURCES:

Report: http://report.innovation-cities.com

Data: http://www.citybenchmarkingdata.com

Notes for Editors

Updated index

2thinknow’s city benchmarking data set contains 1,540 cities. In 2011, the number of cities appearing in the yearly published scores and rankings was 331, up from 289 cities in 2010. The new inclusions reflected previously omitted destinations in the Emerging, Asian and Americas regions. There is a base level of development, population and services required to appear in the Index.

The Innovation Cities™ Index purpose is to measure the development of innovation economies globally. The index measures the 3 factor preconditions for innovation — Cultural Assets, Human Infrastructure and Networked Markets.

To make it easy to read the indexes 2thinknow publish a global top 100, global full, and 4 regional indexes: Americas, Asia, Europe and Emerging. 2thinknow also will publish again this year national innovation economy statistics based on how many cities are represented and their relative influence on the innovation economy at a national and regional level. These are only in beta stage, as we will need to add more information regarding excluded cities for a comprehensive national picture.

Quick facts about the Index.

• The worldwide rankings are produced annually by analysts at innovation consulting analysts, 2thinknow.
• The index is not a survey, but is independently researched by 2thinknow analysts.
• The index was first produced in 2007 with 22 cities from 95 profiled.
• City benchmarking data, contains all global cities benchmarked on 162 city indicators.
• Data is updated between April and September, with more than 50% of indicators being refreshed in this period.
• Explanation of the 162 city indicators, and how cities can become innovation economies are contained in the Innovation Cities Analysis Report, from 2thinknow. http://report.innovation-cities.com
• All cities scores are weighted against 21 current change trends (detailed and available in the report).

Reproducing the Index

The indexes and supporting materials are copyright and used under license by 2thinknow. You may reproduce the statistics and indexes in any reasonable form, graphics, or data mash-up as long as you attribute it to 2thinknow and do not modify the numbers or otherwise mislead. Print journalists can attribute in the standard fashion, or the other easy way to do this online is as follows:

Source: 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program: www.innovation-cities.com [or the link of the page you are referencing]

2thinknow do reserve all rights, including the right to ask content to be removed.

City Benchmarking Data.

City benchmarking data can be used to create your own indexes or rankings. This can ordered by contacting 2thinknow for single city data-sets, or comparisons between any cities on 1 segment or all segments of the economy. There are 31 industry and community segments.

Further information is available from 2thinknow ICP Team, by contacting us here or calling Melbourne +61 3 9935 2927. Or, you can visit the City Benchmarking Data site here for full details.

City ranking Tables / Lists for reproduction.

Links to the cities indexes & national statistics

INDEXES >  TOP 100 | AMERICAS | EUROPE | ASIA | EMERGING | GLOBAL

Source: 2THINKNOW
Attribute to: “INNOVATION CITIES INDEX(ES) 2011”
URL: www.innovation-cities.com

Innovation Cities™ Top 100 Index (Top 33 Nexus cities listed).

Nexus cites are the top 10% of cities worldwide listed in the annual index for 2011.

GLOBAL      CITY                    STATE COUNTRY     REGION    CLASSIFIED   BAND SCORE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1     Boston                  MA    United States     AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     29
2     San Francisco Bay Area  CA    United States     AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     29
3     Paris                         France            EUROPE      1 NEXUS     29
4     New York                NY    United States     AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     29
5     Vienna                        Austria           EUROPE      1 NEXUS     28
6     Amsterdam                     Netherlands       EUROPE      1 NEXUS     28
7     Munich                        Germany           EUROPE      1 NEXUS     28
8     Lyon                          France            EUROPE      1 NEXUS     27
9     Copenhagen                    Denmark           EUROPE      1 NEXUS     27
10    Toronto                       Canada            AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     27
11    London                        United Kingdom    EUROPE      1 NEXUS     27
12    Frankfurt                     Germany           EUROPE      1 NEXUS     27
13    Hamburg                       Germany           EUROPE      1 NEXUS     27
14    Berlin                        Germany           EUROPE      1 NEXUS     26
15    Hong Kong                     Hong Kong         ASIA        1 NEXUS     26
16    Milan                         Italy             EUROPE      1 NEXUS     26
17    Melbourne               VIC   Australia         ASIA        1 NEXUS     26
18    Stuttgart                     Germany           EUROPE      1 NEXUS     26
19    Barcelona                     Spain             EUROPE      1 NEXUS     25
20    Sydney                  NSW   Australia         ASIA        1 NEXUS     25
21    Stockholm                     Sweden            EUROPE      1 NEXUS     25
22    Tokyo                         Japan             ASIA        1 NEXUS     25
23    Rome                          Italy             EUROPE      1 NEXUS     25
24    Shanghai                      Shanghai          China ASIA  1 NEXUS     25
25    Seattle                 WA    United States     AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     25
26    Singapore                     Singapore         ASIA        1 NEXUS     25
27    Strasbourg                    France            EUROPE      1 NEXUS     25
28    Seoul                         Korea, South      ASIA        1 NEXUS     25
29    Los Angeles             CA    United States     AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     25
30    Kyoto                         Japan             ASIA        1 NEXUS     25
31    Montréal                      Canada            AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     25
32    Manchester                    United Kingdom    EUROPE      1 NEXUS     25
33    Philadelphia            PA    United States     AMERICAS    1 NEXUS     25

Innovation Cities™ Index: Top 33 Nexus cities 3 factor

These are 3 factor scores for the top 33 Nexus cities.

3 Factors:

You should know (Disclaimer)

The Innovation Cities Indexes (the “Indexes”) are for information purposes only and are intended for as a general purpose ranking measuring the relative importance of cities to the innovation economy. Practise in this area is continually changing and emerging, so the methodologies and processes change from year to year, and the availability of data changes from city to city.

While the Indexes have been prepared based upon the best available information, they are provided on an “as-is” basis, and 2thinknow accepts no responsibility/liability for the validity/accuracy (or otherwise) of the resources/data used to compile the Indexes. In no event will 2thinknow be liable to for any decision made or action taken in reliance of the results obtained through the use of, or the information and/or data contained in or provided by, the Indexes.

2thinknow and its representatives make no representations or warranties with respect to the Indexes, and disclaim all express, implied and statutory warranties of any kind, including, but not limited to, representations and implied warranties of quality, accuracy, timeliness, completeness, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

Note: Those seeking more detailed data of comparative city performance should purchase City Benchmarking Data from 2thinknow, and create indexes tailored to their specific circumstances.

World’s largest city classification and global ranking with 331 benchmark cities classified, and top 125 cities analyst ranked in 2011. Based on 2thinknow analysis of cities on 162 city indicators from 2thinknow City Benchmarking Data program. Since 2007.

INDEXES > TOP 100 | AMERICAS | EUROPE | ASIA | EMERGING | GLOBAL

View current Media Release + Read the 2011 FAQ

Key to index.

All cities are graded into award categories based on their band score. In descending order of importance to the innovation economy:

NEXUS: Critical nexus for multiple economic and social innovation segments

HUB: Dominance or influence on key economic and social innovation segments , based on global rends

NODE: Broad performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances

INFLUENCER: Competitive in some segments, potential or imbalanced

UPSTART: Potential steps towards relative future performance in a few innovation segments

Regions are defined as follows:

AMERICAS: North and South America

EUROPE: The U.N. defined Europe with European union, Western Russia, Israel and major Turkish cities

ASIA: Asia and Oceania (Australia/NZ)

EMERGING: Mid-East, Africa, Turkey and Caucasus states

Full details

Purchase City Benchmarking Data to measure a single city or compare cities.

Read the analyst city report to understand how to build urban innovation economies.

Or place an annual subscription for an affordable full package of analysis.

Methodology in brief:

The Index is the most comprehensive city ranking and scoring. Each city was selected from 1,540 cities based on basic factors of health, wealth, population, geography. The selected 331 cities had data extracted the city benchmarking data program on 162 indicators. Each of the benchmarking data were scored by analysts using best available qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics (see City Benchmarking Data to purchase city data). Where data was unavailable, national or state estimates were used.

Data was then trend balanced against 21 global trends, by analysts.For the final index had a zeitgeist (analyst confidence) factor added, and score reduced to a 3 factor score for Cultural Assets, Human Infrastructure and Networked Markets. For city Classification, these scores were competitively graded into 5 bands (Nexus, Hub, Node, Influencer, Upstart)

The top 33% of Nexus and Hub ( and selected Node cities of future interest)  final graded scores were ranked by analysts based on trends over 2-5 years. From this global Index, 4 regional indexes for Americas, Europe, Asia and Emerging are also produced.

Please note the full list above is classified (Node, Influencer, Upstart) not ranked except wher a rank is noted. Rankings are just for general information. A node ranking is considered globally competitive. More discussion and questions answered in this FAQ.

For more details on methodology, please see the FAQ or order the Innovation Cities Analysis Report.

Reproduction of this list:

The indexes and supporting materials are copyright and used under license by 2thinknow. You may reproduce the statistics and indexes in any reasonable form, graphics, or data mash-up as long as you attribute it to 2thinknow and do not modify the numbers or otherwise mislead. The easy correct way to do this is as follows:

Source: 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program: www.innovation-cities.com [or the link of the page you are referencing]

2thinknow do reserve all rights, including the right to ask content to be removed.

About 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program:

Based in Melbourne Australia, 2thinknow are the world’s first innovation agency. Established 2006 we have  designed original  models to measure and deliver innovation to cities, business seeking new markets and growth, and NGO/government clients.

2thinknow Innovation Cities Program to provide powerful tools for creating an innovation economy. This includes the city benchmarking data details on cities by segment globally, recently launched local innovation forum events, analyst reports such as the flagship Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report

In 2011, in the Innovation Course, we are teaching our clients new innovation methods and practices. 2thinknow work with other clients through innovation consulting, analyst reports, projects  and innovation services, as well as a number of online resources and groups.

Since 2009, 2thinknow as world’s first innovation agency have classified cities for broad-based innovation. 2thinknow have published the Innovation Cities Indexes city rankings free online since 2007, when they started with a very small 22 cities.

This is now 331 cities in the 2011 year, and is the world’s largest and most diverse city ranking.

Contact 2thinknow here: http://www.2thinknow.com/feedback/ or via twitter @2thinknow

Asian city innovation classifications and rankings 2011 for China,

World’s largest city classification and global ranking with 66 Asian cities from 331 benchmark cities classified, and top cities ranked in 2011. Based on 2thinknow analysis of cities on 162 city indicators, in what our analysts term the ‘global innovation economy’. Annual city scores and ranking since 2007. City indicators data from 2thinknow City Benchmarking Data program.

INDEXES > TOP 100 | AMERICAS | EUROPE | ASIA | EMERGING | GLOBAL

View current Media Release + Read the 2011 FAQ

Key to index.

All cities are graded into award categories based on their index score. In descending order of importance to the innovation economy:

NEXUS: Critical nexus for multiple economic and social innovation segments

HUB: Dominance or influence on key economic and social innovation segments , based on global trends

NODE: Broad performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances

INFLUENCER: Competitive in some segments, potential or imbalanced

UPSTART: Potential steps towards relative future performance in a few innovation segments

Regions are defined as follows:

AMERICAS: North and South America

EUROPE: The U.N. defined Europe with European union, Western Russia, Israel and major Turkish cities

ASIA: Asia and Oceania (Australia/NZ)

EMERGING: Mid-East, Africa, Turkey and Caucasus states

Full details

Purchase City Benchmarking Data to measure a single city or compare cities.

Read the analyst city report to understand how to build urban innovation economies.

Or place an annual subscription for an affordable full package of analysis.

Methodology in brief:

The Index is the most comprehensive city ranking and scoring. Each city was selected from 1,540 cities based on basic factors of health, wealth, population, geography. The selected 331 cities had data extracted the city benchmarking data program on 162 indicators. Each of the benchmarking data were scored by analysts using best available qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics (see City Benchmarking Data to purchase city data). Where data was unavailable, national or state estimates were used.

Data was then trend balanced against 21 global trends, by analysts.For the final index had a zeitgeist (analyst confidence) factor added, and score reduced to a 3 factor score for Cultural Assets, Human Infrastructure and Networked Markets. For city Classification, these scores were competitively graded into 5 bands (Nexus, Hub, Node, Influencer, Upstart)

The top 33% of Nexus and Hub ( and selected Node cities of future interest)  final graded scores were ranked by analysts based on trends over 2-5 years. From this global Index, 4 regional indexes for Americas, Europe, Asia and Emerging are also produced.

Please note the full list above is classified (Node, Influencer, Upstart) not ranked except wher a rank is noted. Rankings are just for general information. A node ranking is considered globally competitive. More discussion and questions answered in this FAQ.

For more details on methodology, please see the FAQ or order the Innovation Cities Analysis Report.

Reproduction of this list:

The indexes and supporting materials are copyright and used under license by 2thinknow. You may reproduce the statistics and indexes in any reasonable form, graphics, or data mash-up as long as you attribute it to 2thinknow and do not modify the numbers or otherwise mislead. The easy correct way to do this is as follows:

Source: 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program: www.innovation-cities.com [or the link of the page you are referencing]

2thinknow do reserve all rights, including the right to ask content to be removed.

About 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program:

Based in Melbourne Australia, 2thinknow are the world’s first innovation agency. Established 2006 we have  designed original  models to measure and deliver innovation to cities, business seeking new markets and growth, and NGO/government clients.

2thinknow Innovation Cities Program to provide powerful tools for creating an innovation economy. This includes the city benchmarking data details on cities by segment globally, recently launched local innovation forum events, analyst reports such as the flagship Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report

In 2011, in the Innovation Course, we are teaching our clients new innovation methods and practices. 2thinknow work with other clients through innovation consulting, analyst reports, projects  and innovation services, as well as a number of online resources and groups.

Since 2009, 2thinknow as world’s first innovation agency have classified cities for broad-based innovation. 2thinknow have published the Innovation Cities Indexes city rankings free online since 2007, when they started with a very small 22 cities.

This is now 331 cities in the 2011 year, and is the world’s largest and most diverse city ranking.

Contact 2thinknow here: http://www.2thinknow.com/feedback/ or via twitter @2thinknow

City innovation classifications and rankings 2011 for USA, Canada and South America

World’s largest city classification and global ranking with 117 Americas cities (86 USA, 14 Canada, 17 South America)  from 331 benchmark cities classified, and with top cities ranked in 2011. Based on 2thinknow analysis of cities on 162 city indicators from 2thinknow City Benchmarking Data program. Established 2007.

INDEXES > TOP 100 | AMERICAS | EUROPE | ASIA | EMERGING | GLOBAL

View current Media Release + Read the 2011 FAQ

Key to index.

All cities are graded into award categories based on their index score. In descending order of importance to the innovation economy:

NEXUS: Critical nexus for multiple economic and social innovation segments

HUB: Dominance or influence on key economic and social innovation segments , based on global rends

NODE: Broad performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances

INFLUENCER: Competitive in some segments, potential or imbalanced

UPSTART: Potential steps towards relative future performance in a few innovation segments

Regions are defined as follows:

AMERICAS: North and South America

EUROPE: The U.N. defined Europe with European union, Western Russia, Israel and major Turkish cities

ASIA: Asia and Oceania (Australia/NZ)

EMERGING: Mid-East, Africa, Turkey and Caucasus states

Full details

Purchase City Benchmarking Data to measure a single city or compare cities.

Read the analyst city report to understand how to build urban innovation economies.

Or place an annual subscription for an affordable full package of analysis.

Methodology in brief:

The Index is the most comprehensive city ranking and scoring. Each city was selected from 1,540 cities based on basic factors of health, wealth, population, geography. The selected 331 cities had data extracted the city benchmarking data program on 162 indicators. Each of the benchmarking data were scored by analysts using best available qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics (see City Benchmarking Data to purchase city data). Where data was unavailable, national or state estimates were used.

Data was then trend balanced against 21 global trends, by analysts.For the final index had a zeitgeist (analyst confidence) factor added, and score reduced to a 3 factor score for Cultural Assets, Human Infrastructure and Networked Markets. For city Classification, these scores were competitively graded into 5 bands (Nexus, Hub, Node, Influencer, Upstart)

The top 33% of Nexus and Hub ( and selected Node cities of future interest)  final graded scores were ranked by analysts based on trends over 2-5 years. From this global Index, 4 regional indexes for Americas, Europe, Asia and Emerging are also produced.

Please note the full list above is classified (Node, Influencer, Upstart) not ranked except wher a rank is noted. Rankings are just for general information. A node ranking is considered globally competitive. More discussion and questions answered in this FAQ.

For more details on methodology, please see the FAQ or order the Innovation Cities Analysis Report.

Reproduction of this list:

The indexes and supporting materials are copyright and used under license by 2thinknow. You may reproduce the statistics and indexes in any reasonable form, graphics, or data mash-up as long as you attribute it to 2thinknow and do not modify the numbers or otherwise mislead. The easy correct way to do this is as follows:

Source: 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program: www.innovation-cities.com [or the link of the page you are referencing]

2thinknow do reserve all rights, including the right to ask content to be removed.

About 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program:

Based in Melbourne Australia, 2thinknow are the world’s first innovation agency. Established 2006 we have  designed original  models to measure and deliver innovation to cities, business seeking new markets and growth, and NGO/government clients.

2thinknow Innovation Cities Program to provide powerful tools for creating an innovation economy. This includes the city benchmarking data details on cities by segment globally, recently launched local innovation forum events, analyst reports such as the flagship Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report

In 2011, in the Innovation Course, we are teaching our clients new innovation methods and practices. 2thinknow work with other clients through innovation consulting, analyst reports, projects  and innovation services, as well as a number of online resources and groups.

Since 2009, 2thinknow as world’s first innovation agency have classified cities for broad-based innovation. 2thinknow have published the Innovation Cities Indexes city rankings free online since 2007, when they started with a very small 22 cities.

This is now 331 cities in the 2011 year, and is the world’s largest and most diverse city ranking.

Contact 2thinknow here: http://www.2thinknow.com/feedback/ or via twitter @2thinknow

City innovation classifications and rankings 2011 for Europe.

World’s largest city classification and global ranking with 120 European cities from 331 benchmark cities classified, and top 60 European cities ranked in 2011. Based on 2thinknow analysis of cities on 162 city indicators, in what our analysts term the ‘global innovation economy’. Annual city scores and ranking since 2007. City indicators data from 2thinknow City Benchmarking Data program.

INDEXES > TOP 100 | AMERICAS | EUROPE | ASIA | EMERGING | GLOBAL

View current Media Release + Read the 2011 FAQ

Key to index.

All cities are graded into award categories based on their index score. In descending order of importance to the innovation economy:

NEXUS: Critical nexus for multiple economic and social innovation segments

HUB: Dominance or influence on key economic and social innovation segments , based on global rends

NODE: Broad performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances

INFLUENCER: Competitive in some segments, potential or imbalanced

UPSTART: Potential steps towards relative future performance in a few innovation segments

Regions are defined as follows:

AMERICAS: North and South America

EUROPE: The U.N. defined Europe with European union, Western Russia, Israel and major Turkish cities

ASIA: Asia and Oceania (Australia/NZ)

EMERGING: Mid-East, Africa, Turkey and Caucasus states

Full details

Purchase City Benchmarking Data to measure a single city or compare cities.

Read the analyst city report to understand how to build urban innovation economies.

Or place an annual subscription for an affordable full package of analysis.

Methodology in brief:

The Index is the most comprehensive city ranking and scoring. Each city was selected from 1,540 cities based on basic factors of health, wealth, population, geography. The selected 331 cities had data extracted the city benchmarking data program on 162 indicators. Each of the benchmarking data were scored by analysts using best available qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics (see City Benchmarking Data to purchase city data). Where data was unavailable, national or state estimates were used.

Data was then trend balanced against 21 global trends, by analysts.For the final index had a zeitgeist (analyst confidence) factor added, and score reduced to a 3 factor score for Cultural Assets, Human Infrastructure and Networked Markets. For city Classification, these scores were competitively graded into 5 bands (Nexus, Hub, Node, Influencer, Upstart)

The top 33% of Nexus and Hub ( and selected Node cities of future interest)  final graded scores were ranked by analysts based on trends over 2-5 years. From this global Index, 4 regional indexes for Americas, Europe, Asia and Emerging are also produced.

Please note the full list above is classified (Node, Influencer, Upstart) not ranked except wher a rank is noted. Rankings are just for general information. A node ranking is considered globally competitive. More discussion and questions answered in this FAQ.

For more details on methodology, please see the FAQ or order the Innovation Cities Analysis Report.

Reproduction of this list:

The indexes and supporting materials are copyright and used under license by 2thinknow. You may reproduce the statistics and indexes in any reasonable form, graphics, or data mash-up as long as you attribute it to 2thinknow and do not modify the numbers or otherwise mislead. The easy correct way to do this is as follows:

Source: 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program: www.innovation-cities.com [or the link of the page you are referencing]

2thinknow do reserve all rights, including the right to ask content to be removed.

About 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program:

Based in Melbourne Australia, 2thinknow are the world’s first innovation agency. Established 2006 we have  designed original  models to measure and deliver innovation to cities, business seeking new markets and growth, and NGO/government clients.

2thinknow Innovation Cities Program to provide powerful tools for creating an innovation economy. This includes the city benchmarking data details on cities by segment globally, recently launched local innovation forum events, analyst reports such as the flagship Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report

In 2011, in the Innovation Course, we are teaching our clients new innovation methods and practices. 2thinknow work with other clients through innovation consulting, analyst reports, projects  and innovation services, as well as a number of online resources and groups.

Since 2009, 2thinknow as world’s first innovation agency have classified cities for broad-based innovation. 2thinknow have published the Innovation Cities Indexes city rankings free online since 2007, when they started with a very small 22 cities.

This is now 331 cities in the 2011 year, and is the world’s largest and most diverse city ranking.

Contact 2thinknow here: http://www.2thinknow.com/feedback/ or via twitter @2thinknow

Mid-East, Africa and Emerging city innovation classifications and rankings, 2011.

World’s largest city classification and global ranking with 33 Emerging cities from 331 benchmark cities classified, and top cities ranked in 2011. Based on 2thinknow analysis of cities on 162 city indicators, in what our analysts term the ‘global innovation economy’. Annual city scores and ranking since 2007. City indicators data from 2thinknow City Benchmarking Data program.

INDEXES > TOP 100 | AMERICAS | EUROPE | ASIA | EMERGING | GLOBAL

View current Media Release + Read the 2011 FAQ

Key to index.

All cities are graded into award categories based on their index score. In descending order of importance to the innovation economy:

NEXUS: Critical nexus for multiple economic and social innovation segments

HUB: Dominance or influence on key economic and social innovation segments , based on global trends

NODE: Broad performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances

INFLUENCER: Competitive in some segments, potential or imbalanced

UPSTART: Potential steps towards relative future performance in a few innovation segments

Regions are defined as follows:

AMERICAS: North and South America

EUROPE: The U.N. defined Europe with European union, Western Russia, Israel and major Turkish cities

ASIA: Asia and Oceania (Australia/NZ)

EMERGING: Mid-East, Africa, Turkey and Caucasus states

Full details

Purchase City Benchmarking Data to measure a single city or compare cities.

Read the analyst city report to understand how to build urban innovation economies.

Or place an annual subscription for an affordable full package of analysis.

Methodology in brief:

The Index is the most comprehensive city ranking and scoring. Each city was selected from 1,540 cities based on basic factors of health, wealth, population, geography. The selected 331 cities had data extracted the city benchmarking data program on 162 indicators. Each of the benchmarking data were scored by analysts using best available qualitative analysis and quantitative statistics (see City Benchmarking Data to purchase city data). Where data was unavailable, national or state estimates were used.

Data was then trend balanced against 21 global trends, by analysts.For the final index had a zeitgeist (analyst confidence) factor added, and score reduced to a 3 factor score for Cultural Assets, Human Infrastructure and Networked Markets. For city Classification, these scores were competitively graded into 5 bands (Nexus, Hub, Node, Influencer, Upstart)

The top 33% of Nexus and Hub ( and selected Node cities of future interest)  final graded scores were ranked by analysts based on trends over 2-5 years. From this global Index, 4 regional indexes for Americas, Europe, Asia and Emerging are also produced.

Please note the full list above is classified (Node, Influencer, Upstart) not ranked except wher a rank is noted. Rankings are just for general information. A node ranking is considered globally competitive. More discussion and questions answered in this FAQ.

For more details on methodology, please see the FAQ or order the Innovation Cities Analysis Report.

Reproduction of this list:

The indexes and supporting materials are copyright and used under license by 2thinknow. You may reproduce the statistics and indexes in any reasonable form, graphics, or data mash-up as long as you attribute it to 2thinknow and do not modify the numbers or otherwise mislead. The easy correct way to do this is as follows:

Source: 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program: www.innovation-cities.com [or the link of the page you are referencing]

2thinknow do reserve all rights, including the right to ask content to be removed.

About 2thinknow Innovation Cities™ Program:

Based in Melbourne Australia, 2thinknow are the world’s first innovation agency. Established 2006 we have  designed original  models to measure and deliver innovation to cities, business seeking new markets and growth, and NGO/government clients.

2thinknow Innovation Cities Program to provide powerful tools for creating an innovation economy. This includes the city benchmarking data details on cities by segment globally, recently launched local innovation forum events, analyst reports such as the flagship Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report

In 2011, in the Innovation Course, we are teaching our clients new innovation methods and practices. 2thinknow work with other clients through innovation consulting, analyst reports, projects  and innovation services, as well as a number of online resources and groups.

Since 2009, 2thinknow as world’s first innovation agency have classified cities for broad-based innovation. 2thinknow have published the Innovation Cities Indexes city rankings free online since 2007, when they started with a very small 22 cities.

This is now 331 cities in the 2011 year, and is the world’s largest and most diverse city ranking.

Contact 2thinknow here: http://www.2thinknow.com/feedback/ or via twitter @2thinknow

This FAQ for 2011 will be updated by analysts based on reader’s questions.

What are the top city rankings?

The Innovation Cities Top Cities ranks the top cities in the world as innovation destinations. In 2011 the top Nexus cities (10% of all benchmark cities), Hub cities (next 20%) and selected Node cities are ranked.

What is the index and how does the index classify cities?

The Innovation Cities Global Index classifies 331 benchmark cities across a broad range of continents into 5 performance classes. Cities selected from a list of 1,540 cities. These are cities 2thinknow analysts are monitoring for innovation relative to peer / competing cities.

What are the differences from 2010?

The trend analysis underlying the rankings is different (reflecting Japan’s problems) which means that the rankings may vary more than the classifications. A few indicators are differently designed, otherwise,there are very few methodology differences between 2010 and 2011 Indexes.

How can I use the index or rankings?

The 2011 index indicates top cities that are Nexus and Hubs. These form the best general destinations for innovation across a variety of sectors, at this moment in time. Nexus cities have the advantage of  addressing a greater number of segments of the economy.

In 2011 my city is a Nexus, why is this important?

A Nexus city, is a top innovation destination for innovation in multiple sectors of the urban economy.

Nexus cities have a high probability from a cluster of pre-conditions to create innovation not just in science, but in areas such as product, process, business, service, policy and other types of innovation.

So if you were looking for a strong city to create innovation in general, Nexus cities are the best choice.

Do Nexus cities change much from year to year? Are there typical Nexus cities?

Cities such as Paris, Boston, San Francisco, Amsterdam and New York will typically always be Nexus cities. Trends support the movement of other cities up or down, and in and out of Nexus cities. However, no Nexus is likely to fall below Hub status.

My city has become a Nexus from Hub what does that mean?

This means our analysis is that your city has become an optimal destination for innovation, as a Nexus status suggests.

A city has fallen from Nexus to Hub this year, what does that mean?

This means that in general based on favorable industries and trends in 2011-2014 the city is slightly less favoured for general innovation than it was in 2010.

Do you change the rankings a lot from year to year?

No. The 2011 and 2010 ranking will have shifts based on trends. But trend analysis tends to run in cycles. This means Nexus and Hub cities may move around, but no city that has been excluded will rise to be a Nexus in a single year.

My city has changed in the global rankings should this matter?

All rankings are relative to other cities. It is more important to examine regional than global rankings for specific cities.

My city is a Hub city, is this less important than a Nexus City?

No. Hub cities have competencies in slightly fewer sectors, and may be dominated by fewer industry and community segments. Cities that focus on a few key industries tend to become hubs (or even nodes).

My city is a Node City, what does this mean?

Node means globally competitive for some types of innovation. Once again, this means competency in fewer segments of the urban innovation economy.

My city is not listed, what does this mean?

Your city is classified as a Node city or below, all cities that wold be score well enough to reach Nexus status and Hub status are captured, and in 2011 there are no omitted Hub Cities. If you would like an indicative idea, look at similar geographic and economic cities in your region or country.

Are there any cities included within other cities?

Yes, for the Index purposes, we include the surrounding suburbs in cities. An example of this is San Francisco and also cities like Dussseldorf includes nearby Neuss, or Frankfurt which include Offenbach. It is advantageous to be within 60-90 minutes transit time from any Nexus or Hub City.

Is you city index the biggest?

Yes. We create the largest index in both number of cities, and indicators examined.

How subjective is your Index?

Underlying city indicator data is tightly defined using 162 indicators, these are then weighted by analysts, and a separate subjective zeitgeist factor added to account for unforeseen fast moving trends. This would place the Index subjectivity with peers for livability such as Mercer and Economist (EIU). However, all indexes are general rankings.

Please order specific City Benchmarking Data for investment, planning, strategy or data decisions.

How are the global and regional city indexes classified?

All benchmark cities are classified into the 5 classifications . There are also a limited number of unranked cities published for comparative purposes.

The 5 classifications are assigned based on index scores. These are explained under each index, but here’s how they are defined for this year’s index:

NEXUS: Critical nexus for multiple economic and social innovation segments

HUB: Dominance or influence on key economic and social innovation segments , based on global rends

NODE: Broad performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances

INFLUENCER: Competitive in some segments, potential or imbalanced

UPSTART: Potential steps towards relative future performance in a few innovation segments

Why is the index useful?

Cities that are nexus and hubs are critical junctures in innovation across multiple industry and community segments. Nodes are also competitive cities globally on innovation.

It’s a new (innovative) way of considering innovation clusters and regions.

What is a ‘good performance’ for a city?

A good performance is a node city. We classify this as competitive.

A node city may be perceived as better by residents than the residents of cities who may have higher expectations.

A node city can still dominate a single industry segment, and in fact that is often how node cities become hub cities.

Why do you include more indicators than other indexes?

We include 162 standard indicators. We are producing an overall city index score for all cities and ranking of top cities.

There are 39 indicators in Mercer. Some indexes have 5 indicators. Ours is more about a balanced economy for innovation across many sectors.

How many cities do you include?

If you’ve read this far you know it’s 331. We have a city benchmarking data-set of 1,540 cities. Other indexes include from 50 to 230 cities. We include more cities as we improve our certainty about their 3 factor scores, based on better data.

Why are nexus cities the best all-round destinations for innovation?

The nexus cities have the most balanced performance across multiple sectors of the economy. If you are not sure which sector of the economy you want, these are the cities. These cities tend to balance livability with opportunity.

Hub cities have a wide variety of opportunities across more than one segment or sector.

How are city classifications determined?

Nexus and hub cities are best for innovation across multiple economic sectors, based on their 3-factor index scores.

How is the index score derived for each city?

Using the Innovation Cities™ Framework. For the index, the 162 city indicators across 31 industry and community segments, weighted and are summed up into 3 factors:

Cultural Assets of a city from arts to sports industries.

Human Infrastructure, from mobility to start-ups, health, finance and more.

Networked Markets, the power of a city in a networked world.

The analysts release an index score out of 30 for top cities, although we have more detailed benchmarking data.

Where can I get an overview of the Innovation Cities™ Framework?

The Innovation Cities™ Framework is the centrepiece of the Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report: http://report.innovation-cities.com

The report gives the context of measuring urban innovation economies, summarizes each segment and city indicator. It’s a low-cost introduction. There are excerpts and tables of contents on the above site.

Is the Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report about specific cities?

Many cities are profiled in the Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report, however, it’s purpose is to outline a framework and elements you may need to build an urban innovation economy.

How do I get a detailed report on a specific city?

You can order a detailed single city data-set on any city from 2thinknow. This includes 162 city indicators of data, with evidence for each score, a variety of goodies.

You can also commission a custom written report with analyst commentary – contact us.

How is benchmarking data scored for each indicator?

Based on evidence collected. There are up to 4 items of evidence for each city indicator for each city. This data gathering process has grown, since it started 2006.

What are the 31 industry and community segments?

These are part of a multi-sector view of innovation. The 31 segments are listed online here.

Each of them are discussed in the Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report: http://report.innovation-cities.com

Where can I read about and understand each city indicator?

Each of the current standard 162 city indicators are listed and explained in the Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report: http://report.innovation-cities.com

Is their data about my city?

In 2009, we added 33 a further cities from to the free online published indexes.

We include 1,540 cities in our underlying data-set of City Benchmarking Data.

How are cities selected for inclusion?

The cities are selected based on demographic, geographic, economic, health and social factors from a list of 1,540 cities.

To ensure a global mix of cities, we then select a set number of cities from different nations with potential for innovation.

Can I get the benchmarking data for my city?

Yes. You can purchase single segments, or up to the full 31 segments (162 indicators) for any city. The continually updated underlying data-set and evidence can be purchased by cities, business and individuals from www.citybenchmarkingdata.com

Can I buy data to compare each of the cities?

Yes. For example you could buy the mobility data for any cities you choose including all slides, graphs and spreadsheet data for an affordable price.

Where can I learn more about professionally measuring city performance?

We’ve made it easy just visit www.citybenchmarkingdata.com perhaps take the tour, and then contact us.

Besides the global index, what other indexes are there?

There are 4 regional indexes for Americas, Europe, Asia and Emerging are extracted from global index.

Can I reproduce the indexes or top rankings?

Yes. As long as you attribute them correctly and don’t change their integrity. To be safe, read the reproduction paragraph under each index for clear instructions.

Do you publish all cities scored and classified?

We publicly share all cities classifications, not just the top-ranked 30 or 50.

Is there a media release?

Yes. Our media release is provided with each index and headline rankings for use by media of all kinds.

Can you do an interview?

Yes. We prefer email interviews, but have also done skype interviews. Contact us or email media@2thinknow.com

Can you just rank start-up, sports or technology segments of cities?

Anyone can purchase our city benchmarking data for these segments.

Organizations can even use this to produce their own rankings.

The city benchmarking data has been acquired by over 3 years work building a global data-set, yet we have made it affordable in price.

What was the methodology?

The 2011 methodology is explained on each index. You can reproduce or quote this for any articles or research on the topic.

Purchase the Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report for better understanding: http://report.innovation-cities.com

When did the Index start, what’s its brief history?

The first rankings of 22 cities based on 95 index scores was published in April, 2007. The 95 cities were updated with their full 3 factor scores in 2008. The index was conceived in 2005, and the design and collection of data has taken 5 years.

For the 2009 index, the modern 162 indicator framework was created, and the first scoring sheets were publicly released to cities that chose to assist.

What is your global guidance to the trends?

The key 21 trends we consider are outlined in the Innovation Cities™ Analysis Report: http://report.innovation-cities.com

Can I get the benchmarking data?

You can purchase city benchmarking data on any city, like the professional indexes such as Mercer and Economist. Here is the city benchmarking data site. We have more indicators.

Can I purchase a report just on my cities performance?

Yes. You can purchase city benchmarking reports on any city, like the professional indexes such as Mercer and Economist. Contact us.

Will the index change year-on-year?

The index is designed to grow and evolve, as the economy grows and evolves. It is not static, and nor will the index remain the same year on year. The index first published 22 cities from 95 cities in 2007.

What is the most important aspect of the index?

If we had to choose, the classifications are more important than the rankings.

The top 30 nexus, and the broader the top cities are the best destinations for innovation based on their underlying index score.

What is the difference between the global list and the top cities ?

The first 37% cities are ranked in 2011 for 3 classes. The other 63% are scored and classified into 3 classes.

Is this a technology index / ranking?

Yes and no. Technology is a major contributing factor beyond a direct technology industry.

We examine the application of technology to sectors of the urban innovation economy, by measuring sectors.

How is this index different?

We measure segments of a balanced urban economy at the urban level.

Is Boston or any nexus city ‘perfect’?

No city receives a perfect score of an ideal city. Scores are calibrated from the best in a factor achieved to the minimum possible. As each city improves performance, the category of nexus city becomes a bar that rises. We have toughened analyst scoring guides each year since 2009 (and further improvements planned 2012).

What makes this index an innovative approach?

The index will evolve over time, as innovation changes. It is designed to be flexible, and evolve. Examining cities by segment is unique.

What is the biggest thing a city can do to improve their performance?

This is a complex balanced multi-factor ranking. Local government can do many things to improve their community. The Local Innovation Forum event talks about what communities can do at all levels. At the business and government level, infrastructure, trade and policy are among factors important to cities.

Can you break down the performance of cities to the city level?

Yes, 2thinknow can provide city benchmarking data for most urban centers above 100,000 in greater area population. 1,540 are in our data-file, but we can do different conglomerations of city data and boundaries.

Can I get data on any city, even if you measure the larger area?

Yes. For the index we include smaller centers as a functional part of larger centers. e.g. Gdynia is treated as part of Gdansk’s ranking. City benchmarking data includes data on 1,540 urban populations worldwide.

Is this a survey?

No. However, in 2012 cities will be able to request and complete a brief word document survey to ensure 2thinknow analysts have the latest information. All scoring is done by analysts based on a process.

Why are analyst rankings are better than surveys?

2thinknow analysts have a professional logical framework, and are using professional tools. While we use popular local sources, we always access these in a global comparative context.

Why does 2thinknow city analysis favour innovation over livability rankings?

Our analysts measure urban innovation economies, and the indexes are a headline score for that.

Urban innovation economies are dynamic places to live work and play.

Should I move to a Nexus or Hub city?

The classification is a general guide. Specifics depend on industries you and your family work in, and family factors. The long-term employment prospects in your industry, as well as your preferred weather and culture should inform your decisions.

Many Germans move to Sydney, despite originating from the more highly ranked Frankfurt or Hamburg.

Should I use index rankings to move from one culture to another?

You could, but bear in mind that culture’s require readjustment. Moving from Beijing to San Francisco may be easier than Pittsburgh to Beijing. Some cities such as Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore are expat-friendly, some less so. We are not measuring this.

Can you give me an analogy for difference between cities?

Classification is as subjective as the marking of economics term papers. There may be not much difference between a HD / A+ and Dn / A score, but there is a difference between a A and B, and moreso between an A and C score. Similarly a Nexus and Hub are like an A+, A, B+ and Node is like a paper ranked B or C (but still a comfortable high pass!)

Are there any Fail cities?

Yes, and we include some of these to calibrate our cities Index. Some civila-war plagued dictator cities in Africa fall into this category.

How can I help to improve the underlying data?

The web is moving more and more inside pay-walls. You can assist by providing data that is not available publicly, or for whatever reason, is not easy to locate through Google.

So make a submission about your city. Or if, you officially work for the city, you can contact us and request a city survey to fill out.

Why are these rankings different from magazine rankings?

Magazine rankings often focus on specific criteria to answer specific questions. They may not use analysts, and may be written for a great many purposes.

We differentiate between professional (Mercer, Economist) rankings with reports and methodologies.

We use some of the thorough magazine rankings such as the Fortune 500 in scoring some city indicators.

Is measuring creativity the same as innovation?

No. Creativity is about generating ideas. We measure Cultural Assets as a measure of creativity.

This is one-third of our innovation index. But having great ideas is not the same as implementing, and communicating.

Why is knowledge an important part of innovation?

Knowledge is integrated into the design process that is drives innovation process. Measuring knowledge is part of each stage of the innovation process related to cities.