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Limburg Named the Smartest Region of 2026
Limburg has been named the world’s smartest region for 2026 by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). The ICF awarded Brightlands Limburg the title of ‘Intelligent Community of the Year 2026’ during its annual summit last week in Columbus, Ohio. Limburg is the first Dutch region to receive this title since Brainport Eindhoven in 2011.
The ICF regards Brightlands Limburg as a global example of collaboration between government, businesses and knowledge institutions. This collaboration, also known as the triple helix, helps to develop solutions to major societal challenges. Examples include a more sustainable chemical industry, future-proof food production, medical innovations and the development of the Einstein Telescope, an underground measuring instrument. The four interconnected Brightlands campuses in Heerlen, Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen and Venlo are key drivers of Limburg’s innovation network.
International recognition
Provincial Executive Member Stephan Satijn: “What a wonderful recognition for Limburg! We are demonstrating that, together with our entrepreneurs, scientists, students and partner organisations, we are leading the way internationally, and that as a region you can make a difference if you are prepared to work together across political divides on what really matters. This title makes us proud and motivates us even more to continue working together in the coming years to build on innovation that contributes to the future of both Limburg and the Netherlands.”
A boost to innovation
The title is not only international recognition of what Limburg has achieved together, but also an incentive to further develop its capacity for innovation. As a member of the ICF, Limburg can also exchange knowledge and experience with cities and regions around the world that are also among the ‘smartest’ and invest in innovative technologies and applications.
Global innovation network
The ICF is a global federation of around 200 cities and regions that help and inspire one another to innovate and develop. Every year, the ICF compiles a list of the top seven smartest regions in the world, one of which is named ‘The Intelligent Community of the Year’. Alongside Brightlands Limburg, the following regions were nominated this year: Assai (Paraná, Brazil), Bursa Metropolitan Municipality (Turkey), Hilliard (Ohio, USA), Kingston (Ontario, Canada), Las Rozas de Madrid (Spain) and Yunlin County (Taiwan).
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