Dutch Brightlands among the Smart21 Communities of 2026

At an international conference in Curitiba, Brazil, the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has announced the so-called Smart21 Communities of 2026. The Dutch Brightlands is one of the 21 nominees. This selection forms the semi-finals of the annual Intelligent Community of the Year Awards programme, in which cities and regions worldwide are assessed on their digital strategy and social impact.

The Smart21 comprises communities and partnerships from ten countries across five continents. It is notable that six places have been included in the selection for the first time, including Maringá, Matosinhos and Tempe. According to co-founder Robert Bell, it is not about the largest or wealthiest cities, but about communities that respond effectively to the challenges of the digital economy. “These places demonstrate how a community can successfully respond to rapid technological change, regardless of size or location,” said Bell.

The announcement marks the next phase in the assessment process. In June, seven finalists, the so-called Top7 Intelligent Communities, will be selected during a conference at Brightlands in Limburg. The ultimate winner will be announced in October during the ICF Global Summit in Columbus. In 2025, this title went to Durham Region in Canada.

Data and strategy as a foundation

The selection of the Smart21 is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, linked to six strategic pillars from the so-called Community Accelerator Strategy. This framework focuses on factors that determine economic, social and cultural development, such as digital infrastructure, innovation capacity and inclusivity.

Following the initial selection, the participating communities provide additional information on their approach and results. This in-depth analysis enables ICF analysts to identify the most progressive regions and further analyse their best practices.

The conference in Curitiba also highlighted a broader trend: the shift from the concept of the ‘smart city’ to that of the ‘intelligent community’. Whereas smart cities often focus on technology and infrastructure, intelligent communities emphasise the social benefits of digitalisation, with the resident at the centre.

Digital innovation as a driver of broad prosperity

Since its establishment in 2000, the Intelligent Community Forum has adopted a data-driven approach to support urban and regional development. The focus is not on technology for its own sake, but on how digital innovations contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.

The ICF supports cities, regions and rural areas worldwide through research, consultancy and certification programmes. The organisation argues that digital connectivity and technology enable virtually any community to capitalise on economic opportunities whilst simultaneously strengthening social and cultural resilience.

The annual Smart21 selection demonstrates that digital transformation is not the exclusive preserve of major metropolises. Indeed, smaller towns and regions are also proving capable of developing innovative solutions that contribute to a future-proof living environment. In doing so, the programme positions itself as an international benchmark for digital maturity and social impact.