Friday 22nd January 2010
Dundee named as one of the seven most intelligent communities in the world
The Press and Journal
City one of world’s seven leading communities in harnessing knowledge
A global think-tank has named Dundee one of the seven most intelligent communities in the world.
Making the announcement at a conference in Honolulu, on Wednesday, Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) said Dundee had harnessed technological and educational resources to come back from decades of post-industrial decline.
It also highlighted the city’s importance as a centre of excellence in digital media, computer gaming, software development and life sciences, and the important role played by the city’s two universities.
Dundee City Council development committee convener Will Dawson yesterday welcomed the honour.
Councillor Dawson said: “The work that we have done this year focuses on ensuring that we have the right people with the right education, training and qualifications to be able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new economy.
“Successful projects like Dare to be Digital, Dare Schools Challenge and a major investment in upgrading information technology in schools have helped the ICF come to their decision."
The forum said in the 10 years from 1998 to 2008 the percentage of the labour force with university degrees rose to 33%, compared with the 29% UK average.
It also said median earnings grew 51%, compared with 43% across Britain.
Dundee Partnership, a public-private joint venture that rebuilt the waterfront and led development of a knowledge economy, was also singled out for it’s attempt to “build a new economy on the ashes of the old”.
ICF co-founder Louis Zacharilla said: “The top seven of 2010 have demonstrated ingenuity through innovative broadband applications and dedication to education.
“Each of these communities was affected by the recession, yet they pushed forward with their commitment to broadband, innovation and knowledge-based economy through investments in research and development facilities, the creative and aggressive support of small business and ‘clusters’ of industries that continued to produce new jobs."
Dundee has made it to the shortlist twice before in 2007 and 2008.
It did not enter the competition last year because many of the projects that had helped ensure past successes needed time to develop further.
The winner of the most intelligent community of 2010 will be named in May.
The other finalists are Arlington County in Virginia and Dublin in Ohio, US; Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Ottawa, Canada; Suwon, South Korea; and Tallinn, Estonia.