Innovation Consulting, Data & Training : Innovation Agency, 2thinknow : Australia USA Canada Europe Asia » Asia, Australia & NZ

The 5th Annual Innovation Cities Index was released today by 2thinknow, classifying city innovation globally. The release includes 4 regional and 2 global indexes for 331 benchmark cities, across 80+ countries.

View short Media Release + Read the 2011 FAQ

Please reproduce the index results in articles, blogs and media as per license terms.

Order Report

The October edition Innovation Cities Analysis Report on the Index, city trends and building urban innovation economies, is available to order. > New Edition > Report Site > Order!

For those interested in one city’s performance, data and analyst briefing services are now bundled available via > Innovation Cities Program subscription.

Media Release

This is an extended Media Release, please use as appropriate.

DATE: Tuesday, 18TH October 2011.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Boston came first again in a field of 331 cities in the Innovation Cities Global Index. This year’s top cities were rounded out by San Francisco Bay Area, Paris, New York and Vienna, as the 5th annual index was released today by analysts from innovation agency 2thinknow. 2thinknow is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data identified innovation as the key driver of economic recovery from previous recessions and downturns for nations, and 2thinknow’s annual index extends this to cities.

Melbourne came tops over an improved Sydney this year for innovation, in the 5^th Annual Innovation Cities Asia Index. Tokyo and Shanghai rounded out the top five cities, in the index released today by analysts from innovation agency 2thinknow.

The Innovation Cities Asia Index was one of four regional and two global indexes released in Melbourne, today.

European cities continued to place well globally, often indicating a separation between city and national performance.

Comparing European cities in the global indexes, Germany’s Munich continued climbing up to 7th place globally from 15th. Amid struggling UK cities London improved to 11th from 14th, as Manchester (32nd) rose to Nexus status for the first time. In Europe, Italian and Spanish cities fell further outside the top rankings, with Barcelona (19), Milan (16), Madrid (52) and Torino (80) ranked counter to poor national trends. Other top tier European Nexus cities listed included Amsterdam (6), Lyon (8), Copenhagen (9), Frankfurt (12), Hamburg (13) and Berlin (14).

According to 2thinknow Executive Director, Christopher Hire, “Key cities will perform out of pattern with nations, as nations enter or exit economic malaise, or multi-speed economies.”

In 2011, 331 benchmarked cities were scored on 162 indicators by 2thinknow based on their facility to generate product, process, service and other innovation types across an urban economy. Results are classified into five bands of performance including top-tier Nexus and Hub cities, followed by globally competitive Node cities.

According to 2thinknow, Executive Director, Christopher Hire, the “Innovation Cities Global Index measures cities as innovation economies. We collect and assess data for transport, universities, arts, design, sustainability, economics, start-up facilities, labour, technology and other indicators to measure the opportunity cities offer their citizens.”

The analysts noted that city performance can be faster to turn around than overall national performance. All indexes are available on www.innovation-cities.com

The analysts first named Boston as the second-top global innovation destination in 2007. In 2011, the analysts stated that Boston’s dominant institutions Harvard and MIT, coupled with a strengthening start-up and arts in global networks kept the city number one overall globally across multiple economic segments in the turbulent national economic cycle. In Canada, Nexus city Toronto moved up two places to 10th globally. Montreal joined Seattle and Los Angeles as North American Nexus cities for the first time.

The top 10% of 331 cities were classified as Nexus cities by the analysts. Nexus cities were the analysts best general destinations for innovation, followed by the next 73 Hub cities named as challengers in many sectors of the city economy. The balance of cities were classified as Node cities or in two lower performance bands. According to the analyst’s classification, Node cities are globally competitive for innovation.

In 2011 the Index uniquely foresees stronger U.S. innovation performance over 2 to 5 years, based on mid-size city businesses seeking innovation opportunities in global cities. 2thinknow noted that across the USA, most major U.S. cities were likely to be globally competitive Node or above, by meeting mid-level benchmarks for innovation. The analysts identified Human Infrastructure and Cultural Asset investment as key to stronger U.S. performance.

Hong Kong climbed to 15th globally and first Nexus in Asia, ahead of Australia’s city economies represented by Melbourne and Sydney, at 17th and 20th respectively. A weakened Tokyo moved temporarily down to 22nd place ahead of a steady Shanghai (24) among a record 24% Asian Nexus cities, also including Seoul. China’s economic performance to date was reflected by more Chinese cities than ever in the global Index, and the entry of cities like Wuhan and Chengdu for the first time.

Global Hub cities rising in the analyst rankings this year included Bordeaux, Vancouver, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Orlando and Shenzhen. Well-known cities the analysts discounted significantly this year included St Petersburg, Moscow and Buenos Aires (replaced in South America by São Paulo). Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod technology city and Rostov-na-Donu entered the Index for the first time, as Mumbai became India’s first Hub city. Cape Town this year became the first African Hub city. Adelaide in Australia also became an Asian Hub based on new investment activity.

According to 2thinknow, Executive Director, Christopher Hire, the “Innovation Cities Global Index measures cities as innovation economies. This goes beyond technology or patents alone. 2thinknow analysts also collect data on assess transport, universities, arts, design, sustainability, economics, start-up facilities, labor as well as other factors to measure the opportunities cities offer their citizens. We aim to measure cities economic opportunity not nations.”

In 2011 the 331 cities benchmarked for innovation, up from 289 cities in 2010 and compared with 256 cities in 2009. The top 125 cities were ranked by the analysts based on 21 current global trends, listed in the accompanying Innovation Cities Analysis report. The indicators framework, models and global analysis of trend impact were also outlined in the report. 2thinknow launched the index in 2007 and expanded the index in 2009 to 289 cities.

Each year, the global index and top rankings are released with four regional indexes, that classify and then rank the top cities for North & South America, Europe, Asia and Emerging regions. In 2007 the analysts predicted the Global Financial Crisis as a “September (2008) shock event”, and Indexes predicted London’s fall and foresaw counter-cyclical strong performance of German and French cities overall.

Cities move in the Index over 2 or 3 year periods, and many city classifications have been relatively stable year on year since 2009.

— ENDS—

SPOKESPERSON

Christopher Hire
Executive Director
2thinknow ICP

+61 409 787 960 (Mobile)
+61 3 9935 2927
TIME: Melbourne, Australia (AEST)

Rapid email: media@2thinknow.com

Cities Data

Separately, City Benchmarking Data from the 2thinknow Index is city-level available to order for any 331 benchmark cities (from all regions) for all 162 indicators, or any mix of cities and indicators for city data projects. > Data Site

For single cities this data is bundled with annual reports, at a discount via top-tier subscriptions via Innovation Cities Program subscription.

China Cities and Innovation, a story from Shanghai

2thinknow — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:50:43 +0000

Shanghai, cities and innovation in China: a Chinese View.

2thinknow’s Innovation Cities work was recently featured in Shanghai. This was in an article from the highly regarded think-tank: the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article appeared in a number of Chinese new sources included China.com.cn.

A google translation of an excerpt from the article is as follows:

But innovation can also be more broadly understood. An Australian institution, “I just want to” (“2thinknow”) with their own indicators to rank cities on the global innovation. It’s 162 index system of indicators, including cultural capital, human infrastructure and innovation for the economic vitality of a very important market networks. According to its innovative world city rankings, New York ranked No. 5, compared to the Forbes ranking of U.S. cities much innovation forward – because (2thinknow) the agency’s understanding of innovation Bifubusi (diffusion?) is much broader.

Read in full: Original Link | Google Tranlsated Link

The article makes interesting reading on Chinese cities, and views of innovation in China.

2thinknow Government Innovation Training Vouchers [GITVs]

2thinknow — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:06:53 +0000

Flexible ANZ Government Innovation Training & services* option.

2thinknow Government Innovation Training Vouchers [GITV] allow public servants to budget, for purchase and then schedule innovation training once strategic priorities are decided.

Government Innovation Training Vouchers are available from 2thinknow only to Australian public servants. Vouchers are purchased as prepaid for future services, and offer maximum flexibility — whilst locking in maximum price savings.

Guaranteed lowest price at purchase.

2thinknow Government Innovation Training Vouchers guarantee:

That the government will pay the best available price offered to any customer in the last 12 months.

If the government price is not lower, the vouchers guarantee a 10% discount (or added value) from best available price.

That the government (and thus taxpayers) vouchers offer the significantly lowest possible price 2thinknow offers.

The Innovation Course:

The Innovation Course for Government outlines the latest innovation models and tools, with real world case studies. The preferred governmental version, allows participants time to workshop policies (past and present) using the tools. There are around 6 participants from the same department in most cases, and the course can be done in any Australian city.

For a customized departmental Proposal and PowerPoint slides on the Innovation Course™ and other innovation training, contact 2thinknow here, or your 2thinknow representative. Please also contact us to order vouchers.

Easy Redemption.

2thinknow Government Innovation Training Vouchers [GITVs] can be redeemed for 2thinknow training, including the Innovation Course. Can also be redeemed for equivalent Innovation Discovery for Government and city benchmarking data services.

At this stage GITVs are currently only available in Australia, but we welcome your international enquiries here.

Basic facts:

Due to low margins, no discounts applies to GITVs redeemed for Local Innovation Forum events.
Vouchers expire within 13 months from data of purchase.
Vouchers are electronic, and issued to the department with a unique numerical serial code.
Vouchers can be redeemed by another government department in the same jurisdiction, if by prior arrangement.

Contact 2thinknow here, or your 2thinknow representative.

Announcing Innovation Discovery for Government: Innovative policy ideas fast!

2thinknow — Thu, 26 May 2011 07:29:44 +0000

Innovation Discovery for Government: is a new 2thinknow governmental service for creating better policy at a lower cost to taxpayers, through innovation.

Innovation Discovery is a global innovation search to discover the best available policy options for a policy problem governmental staff, ministers & advisers face. The service solves difficult, rapidly-evolving or otherwise challenging policy problems through use of a variety of data sources.

Where Innovation Discovery is of greatest benefit is in the saving of taxpayer funds spent on areas such as consultants, or interstate travel. The focus of Innovation Discovery by 2thinknow is about the scoping and briefing of global policy ideas, tested against cultural alignment in your policy environment.

Our clients make internal savings of 60%+ off the price of ministerial travel, and consultants. This has other benefits — such as work-life balance for public servants, and enhanced career satisfaction for public servants.

The Innovation Discovery service is only offered by 2thinknow, and the outcome is a briefing and report (either slides or a document) that discusses the best available policy options.

The service uses a robust process that delivers ideas that have worked in other areas. It relies on 2thinknow proprietary data-set, contacts and methodology to deliver implementation-ready policy ideas to policy advisers, ministerial staffers and the public service.

Currently this service is available to public servants in Federal, State or Local Government in a variety of locations.

Ask 2thinknow for your full email or phone briefing on the Innovation Discovery for Government Services today. > Contact

The Innovation Course

2thinknow — Fri, 20 May 2011 07:08:49 +0000

The Innovation Course™ training workshops : USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Host the Innovation Course™ training workshops in cities around the world.

The Innovation Course™ uniquely uses 2thinknow’s extensive innovation library of data and case studies from sectors and cities. This allows your participants to safely apply innovation in real-world conditions, with exercises from idea generation to implementation to communication.

Learn in 2 day standard, 1 day express, or 3-4 day deep-dive courses. Held at your office, at a training centre in your city.

2thinknow : 1st Innovation Agency

Brought to you by first innovation agency 2thinknow est. 2006. As seen in the Boston Globe, CNET, ABC, Fox, and local newspapers worldwide.

Innovation Skills Training

The Innovation Course focuses on innovation skills, and practical models for innovation.

Innovation Careers

Become the innovation experts in your company and industry. Re-brand yourself with innovation — and give your career a boost only with the Innovation Course™ by 2thinknow.

Vendor Certification

2thinknow can also provide vendor-certification in innovation, for professionals.

Only the Innovation Course™ by 2thinknow transfers innovation skills to your team and challenges.

Innovation training: book the Innovation Course™ workshop for your team.

> Go to the Innovation Course™ site

SMH: Artists tapped to renew cities’ ailing CBDs?

2thinknow — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:44:45 +0000

Can artists be used to renew a ‘steel city’?

2thinknow says ‘yes’ if part of a broader innovation change initiative. Our Innovation Cities™ Index 2010 ranks Geelong above Newcastle within the same classification, for the record.

From Chris Zappone at the Age newspaper (republished Sydney Morning Herald):

Artists tapped to renew cities’ ailing CBDs?

The discussion is one approach to improving cities, the use of artists for renewal. Examples used are recent movements to renew steel / manufacturing centres Newcastle & Geelong.

As leaders in the Innovation Economy, 2thinknow encourage urban artist-led projects for renewal. 2thinknow gives a quotation to the article.

Global comparative benchmarks data on arts sectors are 1 of 31 segments of our City Benchmarking Data, available for order. Our segment approach to measuring, comparing and changing cities, and regional economies, is world-leading.

Comparative City Data-sets: Global city data by segment analysis

2thinknow — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 06:41:30 +0000

Best available city data to measure cities worldwide.

City Benchmarking Data™ is key industry or community data intelligence on any cities worldwide. Only from 2thinknow.

2thinknow produce the largest independent analyst data-set benchmarking city performance worldwide, with up to 162 indicators of data available to purchase for over 1,600 urban centers in 2011-12.

All data is delivered ‘ready-to-go’, licensed for your organizational use in multiple formats including spreadsheets, graphs and slides.

As seen in the Boston Globe or Reuters through the Innovation Cities™ Program and Index, and purchased by R&D departments, management consultants, multi-national corporations, city governments, chambers, trade boards, mayors, think tanks, tech firms and others worldwide.

Customer City Data Uses

Industry Data by Location
2thinknow have created a number of projects since 2006. Our group since 1999 have created scorecards to measure change performance. Our group created Australia’s first environmental scorecard for retailers at LendLease. In 2010, we revised LBG’s data process for benchmarking major Australian corporations for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Government Policy Data
2thinknow have worked on quick end-to-end projects for government based on design of scorecards and metrics. In 2009 we designed communication dashboards for state government ministers and their advisers to measure change.

Community : Social Innovation Metrics
We design scorecards for various community purposes, and our group has done work for the Anglican Retirement, Catholic Education and various NGOs seeking to embrace change in financial and business arrangements.

City Benchmarking Data™ by 2thinknow: Leading metrics to measure cities.

Resource Site > City Benchmarking Data™

Combine data with other innovation services.

Request data benchmarking as part of business, government and community innovation consulting services. Or do a course in innovation metrics, with a custom version of the Innovation Course™. Combine with other tools from the Innovation Toolkit by 2thinknow.