On Thursday, October 25, in Hamilton, Ontario, Hudson was named to the Smart21 Communities of 2019 by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). Hudson is one of just four U.S. cities in next year’s Smart21. This is the second year in a row that Hudson has received this honor.
The Smart21 are selected by ICF based on quantitative and qualitative data submitted to the Forum and developed by independent research, which is evaluated by a group of Analysts led by former Cisco executive and Westchester County (New York) CIO, Dr. Norman Jacknis. The analysis is based on the ICF Method, which provides the conceptual framework for understanding the factors that determine a community's competitiveness in economic, social and cultural terms. The 2019 Awards program also focuses on the annual theme of Infinite Learning. Faced with the new and infinite ability of machines to learn, human beings can only master this technology leap by committing lifelong learning for the people and organizations in the community, because only that will allow us to adapt to new demands and seize new opportunities.
“Every continent has a representative this year, which is great because the ICF Method applies to any place that is moving from tech to becoming a true learning and adaptive community,” said ICF co-founder Louis Zacharilla. “These are places planning for change and long-term success.”
The award is based on six indicators that include: 1) Broadband, 2) Knowledge Workforce, 3) Innovation, 4) Digital Equality, 5) Sustainability, and 6) Advocacy. All are considered important factors in determining a community’s competitiveness in the Broadband Economy.
Hudson-owned and operated Velocity Broadband played a key role in establishing Hudson as a Smart21 community. Hudson was selected based on the City’s performance in all six indicators.
In the next step, Hudson will compete for the Top7 (from Smart21 down to Top7) that will be revealed on February 11, 2019 in Quebec City.
Watch the Smart21 2019 announcement video and read the full announcement press release here.
In Photo: Hudson Chief Economic Officer Jim Stifler with ICF Co-Founder John Jung
