Celebrating a decade of success, the European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) competition continues to spotlight cities that are leading the charge in transforming urban living through innovative solutions. The recent awards ceremony, part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, took place on November 13 at the esteemed Web Summit in Lisbon. This event emphasizes the significance of building inclusive innovation ecosystems that address urban challenges and enhance the quality of life for citizens across Europe.
The iCapital awards, launched in 2014, have become synonymous with recognizing urban innovation efforts backed by substantial funding from Horizon Europe and managed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) in collaboration with the SMEs Executive Agency. Over the last ten years, cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Vantaa, Haarlem, and Linköping have been celebrated for their commitment to fostering collaboration among citizens, businesses, academia, and government institutions to create sustainable, transformative urban solutions.
The competitive nature of the iCapital awards was clearly demonstrated this year, with Torino, Italy, taking home the top prize of €1 million. The city has long been known for its rich industrial heritage and has successfully adapted by implementing a variety of innovative projects aimed at addressing modern challenges while preparing for future needs. Torino’s comprehensive strategies serve as a model for other urban centers striving to enhance their innovation capacities.
In a testament to its recognition, Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, shared her thoughts: “I warmly congratulate Torino and Braga on winning the 2024-25 European Capital of Innovation Awards. They show that innovation is not just about technology but about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and improving the quality of life for citizens.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the awards, focusing on the broader implications of innovation that go beyond mere technological advancements.
Following Torino, Espoo in Finland and the West Midlands Combined Authority in the UK secured the second and third prizes, respectively, each receiving €100,000. Both regions have positioned themselves as strong players in creating innovative urban environments. Espoo has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and the integration of technology into everyday life, while the West Midlands has focused on enhancing regional connectivity and social inclusion through innovation initiatives.
The Rising Innovative City category also shone brightly, with Braga, Portugal, emerging as the top winner and receiving €500,000. Braga, known for its robust collaboration within the innovation ecosystem, has strategically targeted the cultural and creative industries while nurturing a strong technology sector. This focus has allowed the city to thrive and showcase itself as a leader in innovation, demonstrating that successful urban transformation is achievable through concerted effort and dedication.
Linz in Austria and Oulu in Finland finished in second and third place in the Rising Innovative City category, each granted €50,000 for their contributions. These cities have made significant strides in integrating technological advancements into their urban frameworks while fostering inclusivity and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
The success stories of these award-winning cities highlight a crucial trend: the importance of creating strategic alliances and partnerships in urban innovation. The iCapital Awards serve as a platform for cities to share best practices, insights, and experiences that can inspire other urban areas looking to enhance their innovation capacities. By showcasing the unique approaches of cities like Turin and Braga, the initiative encourages other urban centers to think creatively about how to address their own challenges.
Moreover, the iCapital Awards contribute to the EU’s overarching objective of fostering innovation across member states and associated Horizon Europe countries. As cities continue to adapt and evolve, the lessons learned from this year’s winners are invaluable. They exemplify how innovation can lead not just to economic growth, but also to better living conditions and a higher quality of life for citizens.
In conclusion, the European Capital of Innovation Awards highlight the significant impact of collaboration, inclusivity, and forward-thinking strategies in transforming urban life. The recognition of cities like Torino and Braga sets important benchmarks for the future, shaping how urban spaces can innovate to meet the challenges of tomorrow. As European cities continue to navigate the complexities of modernization, the iCapital Awards offer both inspiration and practical examples of how innovation can produce sustainable, people-centered environments.
