London Tops BCG's First Intelligent Cities Index
London has been ranked the world's most intelligent city in a new study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Dubai, New York City, Washington, DC, and Amsterdam follow in the overall rankings.
London leads the world as the most intelligent city, according to the inaugural BCG's Intelligent Cities Index 2026: How AI Shapes Urban Living report. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) researched 61 major cities across 39 countries to assess their use of technology in serving residents and businesses.
Dubai, New York City, Washington, DC, and Amsterdam were ranked closely behind London. The report highlights that no single city excels in all five domains of intelligent city performance, suggesting multiple pathways to success. Cities can improve resident outcomes through intelligent, AI-enabled services, regardless of their existing infrastructure or funding levels.
The research also identified strong correlations between the adoption of generative AI and optimism about its future impact. Residents in cities located in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East show particularly high engagement and enthusiasm for AI tools. This positive experience fosters a cyclical effect, with increased confidence leading to further AI integration.
Different cities lead in specific areas: London in resident outcomes, Madrid in strategy, Dubai in adoption, New York in ways of working, and Amsterdam in enablers. The report notes that AI deployment leads to better results, and younger urban populations are particularly receptive to new technologies.