Nine cities were shortlisted for the European Capital of Innovation Award 2016 which will be announced in April. In the second year of the award, the European Commission aims to celebrate the European city that is building the best innovation ecosystem connecting citizens, public organisations, academia, and business with all-round innovations at city level.
The nine finalists chosen by a high-level jury of independent experts from 36 applications are:
Amsterdam (NL) - for embracing a bottom-up approach based on smart growth, start-ups, easy-living and digital social innovation
Berlin (DE) - for performing as an urban living lab where innovative Information and Communication Technology solutions can be tested
Eindhoven (NL) - for combining digital technology with creativity in its world-leading urban smart lighting strategy
Glasgow (UK) - for its replicable innovation model based on partnerships across industry, science and communities
Milano (IT) - for enhancing social inclusion and alternative models in the delivery of public services to create more opportunities for employment
Oxford (UK) - for its vision to openly share the wealth of knowledge within its world-class innovation ecosystem
Paris (FR) - for its strategy based on open innovation, connectivity and ingenuity aiming at becoming a world hub for start-up
Torino (IT) - for its open innovation models supporting social innovation start-ups and creating new market opportunities for urban innovations
Vienna (AT) - for its innovation and ICT strategies based on a citizen-centred approach and long-term developments in economy, education, research and technology
The best city initiatives creating the right environment to innovate will be awarded cash prizes: €950 000 for The European Capital of Innovation 2016, €100 000 for the first runner-up, and €50 000 for the second runner-up.