Five cities and counties in Taiwan have been listed among the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2016. The New York-based Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) announced the list on Wednesday.
The communities were evaluated on six indicators to determine their competitiveness in the broadband economy. Those indicators include things like broadband services, innovation, digital equality, and sustainability.
Taiwan was the only Asian country represented in the latest top 21 list. The five Taiwanese communities are: New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Kaohsiung and Taitung. New Taipei, which is featured for the third year in a row, made it into the top seven last year. It won recognition for its complete transportation system, accessible information and technology, and for upgrading traditional industries.
Other countries with communities in the 2016 Smart21 list include Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden.
The top 21 communities are now in the running to become one of the seven Intelligent Communities of the year. ICF will then choose one community to succeed last year’s winner: Columbus, Ohio.