How the best cities manage to stay future proof when the world is urbanizing rapidly.
In 1960 30% of the world's population was living in cities, today that number has increased to over 55% and in 2050 68% will be urban dwellers. Cities are hot, but considering this fast growth and global urbanization, what drives the best cities forward? And more importantly what cities are leading the list?
As time lapses, cities learn, adapt, and concur the challenges they are faced with. Just like living organisms, cities (and let’s not forget towns) evolve. And that flexible ability to keep moving forward has everything to do with these 4Â simple ingredients. The best cities have successfully added these to their mix to create a future proof recipe.
Ingredient number 1: Adapt to the needs of younger people
Best City Score: 1. Berlin 2. Montréal 3. London
T he thriving heart of cities is people working, living and playing in the place they love and the community they feel connected to. Richard Florida took a closer look at why people live where they do and concludes that people moving to cities are looking for the following key things that matter to them most about the neighborhoods they live in; housing costs, proximity to jobs, transit, amenities, open space, and quality of both built and natural environments. And these vary by age and stage of life.
Digitally native, entrepreneurial and well-travelled, millennials are not afraid to relocate halfway across the world for the right opportunities and experiences. Nestpick analysed 110 cities, taking four main concerns into consideration: Is there work available? Can you afford to live a good life? Is the city open and tolerant? And finally, can you have fun? Within these larger categories, they looked into micro factors such as internet speed; especially important to those millennials working remotely, gender equality; a top priority for young people, and the startup ecosystem; attracting those hungry for quick progression and exciting opportunities.
Ingredient number 2: Create an innovation culture
Best City Score: 1. Berlin 2. Tel Aviv 3. Helsinki
S mart startups that are looking to grow their business need to test, validate and modify their innovations in real markets and with help of existing market players. Established businesses want to open up their networks for and share their knowledge & challenges they are facing with startups in order to find innovative solutions.
So for innovation to prosper, proximity to a connected startup ecosystem is a major driver. Firms & startups want to be close to other firms & startups, universities and research labs. They want to be in hyper connected surroundings with great amenities. Good coffee places seem to be one of them ; ).
Berlin coming out on top again as a startup city this time. According to Valuer Berlinâs startup scene offers a few unique competitive advantages â diversity and inclusiveness. Living costs are affordable with average office rent. The atmosphere is ideal for people with an entrepreneurial spirit. If you start a business in Berlin youâre likely to get support from investors, apply for government funds or meet the many inspiring people.
Ingredient number 3: Connect cities and towns
Best City Score: 1. Tokyo 2. Shanghai 3. Jakarta
A s cities grow so do the towns surrounding them, forming larger metropolitan areas. Increased mobility & connectivity allow us to move continuously throughout our metros. Live or work in one place, play in another, enjoy nature in a third, but connected to all.
The biggest metropolitan area in the world is Tokyo with a total population of 38 million people living in this mega city.
Ingredient number 4: Embrace local history
Best City Score: 1. Tokyo 2. Kyoto 3. Melbourne
L ook at the lay out of a city from above and it will tell you a great deal about its history and how power shifted in time. Buildings, structures and spaces each have a story to tell. When you travel you make sure you get some of this history “in”, at home you probably are proud of some of the local stories & heroes in your town, and for your place of business you are looking for a cool place with “character”.
But it gets exciting when the old and the new are mixed in a way that thrills with contradiction. That is why Tokyo is topping the CondĂ© Nast Traveler list of the 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. Tokyo is ultramodern, has neon-lit skyscrapers and tranquil temples, unmatchable street style and centuries-old etiquette. It’s like a fever dream you don’t want to wake up from.
There it is: Adapt to the needs of young people, Create an innovation culture, Connect cities & towns and Embrace local history. Four ingredients that will guaranteed drive cities forward, and it seems Berlin and Tokyo are leading the lists.
Can you tell how your city scores?
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