Melbourne was honoured with the title following a rigorous 12 month evaluation by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). The ICF is a New York-based global network and think tank with 145 member cities.
"We are delighted that Melbourne has been recognised the global 2017 Intelligent Community of the Year. This award acknowledges the significant work we are doing to enhance Melbourne's development as a global Knowledge City," Councillor Dr Jackie Watts, Chair of the Knowledge City portfolio said.
ICF co-founder Lou Zacharilla said Melbourne was redefining the concept of technology, work and the workspace.
"Melbourne is famously 'the world's most liveable city,' but the question was 'Are they an Intelligent Community?'
"They answered that question this year. They have built an entire system where creativity flourishes, education is harnessed to the workforce, and quality of life has become the city's greatest competitive advantage. It is a dynamic combination and one the Intelligent Community Form honours."
A number of initiatives were highlighted by the ICF including the City of Melbourne's annual Melbourne Knowledge Week which showcases smart and innovative city programs. Code Like a Girl was another initiative praised by the ICF. The startup runs a series of tech-focused events in Melbourne targeting females from 13 to 45 and teaches skills such as coding and programing.
The Carlton Connect Initiative was also commended by the ICF for its ability to bring together people from diverse disciplines to one precinct. The precinct helps create partnerships between research and industry on a local, national and global scale and has established the Melbourne Accelerator Project which has seen 24 startup teams create 150 jobs and generate $10 million in revenue.
Previous Intelligent Community of the Year winners include: New York, Singapore, Seoul and, most recently, Montreal.
The award was announced last Friday Australian time at the Intelligent Community Forum's annual summit in New York.