2025-06-30
Busan rises to 12th in latest Smart Centres Index
source: visitbusanBusan has achieved its highest-ever ranking on the Smart Centres Index, placing 12th out of 76 cities worldwide. Published in May by London-based think tank Z/Yen, the index measures the technological and innovation capabilities of major commercial and financial hubs. On the SCI 11, Busan stands as the second-highest ranked city in Asia, having surpassed Hong Kong and trailing just behind Singapore. Busan is the top-ranked city in Korea, with Seoul ranked 33rd overall.Since debuting at 62nd in 2021, Busan has climbed steadily, rising to 41st in late 2021, 22nd in 2022, 15th in 2023 and 13th in 2024. This consistent year-over-year improvement, without setbacks, underscores Busan's commitment to becoming a leading global smart city.Driven by the Digital Economy Office at City Hall, Busan is integrating advanced digital technologies across key industries. The city is actively developing ecosystems in artificial intelligence, big data, quantum computing, robotics and biotechnology. These efforts aim to accelerate industrial transformation and boost the city's economic future.More growth is expected. Significant initiatives include the Future Industry Innovation Cluster, the Centum 2 Special Zone, digital twin and cloud-based pilot programs, and new research hubs for AI, quantum science and smart healthcare. In addition, the city plans to train 10,000 information and communications technology specialists through the Busan Digital Innovation Academy by 2026.With continued investment in digital infrastructure and innovation, Busan is positioning itself to break into the SCI top 10 and further strengthen its role in the global economy.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>achieve: 성취하다 innovation: 혁신 capability: 능력 commercial: 상업적인 surpass: 능가하다 steadily: 꾸준히 consistent: 지속적인 improvement: 발전 setback: 차질 underscore: 강조하다 commitment: 약속, 헌신 artificial intelligence: 인공지능 quantum: 양자 aim to: ~에 목표를 두다 accelerate: 가속화하다 industrial: 산업의 boost: 끌어올리다 significant: 중요한 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
