Dublin Named One of Top Seven International Intelligent Communities

The City of Dublin joins communities from Scotland, Estonia and South Korea – and is one of only two from the US – to be named a Top Seven Intelligent Community by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a New York-based think tank which publishes an annual list of smart cities from around the globe.

The Top Seven Intelligent Communities are selected through analysis of detailed data submitted by cities which were previously designated Smart 21 Communities in 2009.  Intelligent Communities are those which have – whether through crisis or foresight – taken conscious steps to create an economy capable of prospering in the digital age.  This includes analysis of five critical success factors:  broadband connectivity, knowledge workforce, digital inclusion, innovation, and marketing and advocacy.

Dublin has used its innovative underground fiber optic network DubLink to establish the Central Ohio Research Network linking government, businesses and schools to the Ohio Supercomputer Center. In addition, the City is promoting an entrepreneurial economy through efforts such as the establishment of the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center, and partnering with the education and business communities to ensure a highly skilled workforce now and into the future.

“It is a great honor to be considered in league with these global communities, and to be recognized for our efforts to keep our citizens and businesses connected to the world,” said Dublin City Manager Terry Foegler. “To be named one of seven international cities awarded Intelligent Community status further solidifies Dublin’s reputation as a community where you will find a highly educated workforce, an entrepreneurial spirit and the infrastructure to support it.”

The six other Intelligent Communities include:  Arlington County, Va. Dundee, Scotland; Eindhoven, Netherlands; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Suwon, South Korea and Tallinn, Estonia.  In May 2010, one of the Top Seven will be named Intelligent Community of the Year during the Broadband Economy Summit.

Dublin was named a Smart21 Community in 2007, 2008 and 2009. This is the first time it has been named to the Top Seven list.

For more information on the awards program, visit  the website