Astana named among 15 finalists for the first WIPO City of Innovation award

Astana has been selected as a finalist for the first WIPO City of Innovation Award, established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The capital of Kazakhstan has been shortlisted alongside Shanghai, Liverpool, Amman, Rabat and other cities, El.kz reports.

The winners will be announced on October,12 at WIPO headquarters in Geneva. Before then, an international jury will assess the projects submitted by the cities competing for the new award.

What the WIPO City of Innovation Award Recognizes

The WIPO City of Innovation Award was established to recognize cities that create enabling conditions for the development of innovation and creativity. The award focuses on urban policy, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and cooperation among innovators, creative communities and various institutions.

Intellectual property is also a key component, serving as an instrument for protecting and fostering the development of new ideas. Participating cities were invited to present their vision for an innovation and creative ecosystem, as well as specific commitments they intend to implement over a 12-month period.

Further information on the finalists and the concepts they have submitted is available on the official website of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Who Is Astana competing against?

Fifteen participants from different regions of the world have reached the final stage of the inaugural award. Alongside Astana, the shortlist includes Shanghai, China; Charleroi, Belgium; Liverpool, United Kingdom; and Moscow, Russia.

Other finalists include Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram in India; Amman and the Bergish/Irbid Municipality in Jordan; and Rabat and Tetouan in Morocco. The list also includes cities and municipalities from the Philippines, Portugal and Thailand.

Astana presented an approach to developing an urban innovation ecosystem that incorporates technology in public services and Smart City initiatives, support for startups and the creative industries, as well as solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.

Who Will Select the Winners?

The next stage will involve an independent international jury comprising experts with experience in culture and creativity, urban development and planning, community engagement, and innovation.

The composition of the jury and information about the award are available on the official WIPO City of Innovation Award webpage. The winners of the inaugural award will be announced on October ,12 at a ceremony in Geneva.