 Glasgow has set the pace in the broadband market |
Glasgow has been named as "the world's most intelligent community" of the year at an awards ceremony in New York. The city was recognised for its efforts to promote broadband and introduce its population to the benefits of the digital age.
The New York-based Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) judged broadband impact on economic growth.
Glasgow's bid was put forward by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and the city council.
Gordon Kennedy, deputy chief executive of SE Glasgow, travelled to the Big Apple to accept the award.
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He said: "To receive this award is a tremendous achievement and one that will serve to place Glasgow on the world stage as a city committed to taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by technology. "It is important now that we continue to exploit the benefits of broadband as this is key to harnessing a skilled population, a healthy community and a competitive business base."
The ICF was formed in response to the upsurge in broadband communications.
'Fantastic achievement'
The not-for-profit think tank said those who made up its list were "pioneers and role models for the development of vibrant digital age communities in the 21st century".
Each year the ICF selects its intelligent community of the year, based on a variety of measures including deployment of broadband, building a knowledge-based workforce, bridging the digital divide, encouraging innovation and effective economic development marketing.
Councillor Alan Stewart, of Glasgow City Council, said the award was "a fantastic achievement" for the city.
"Glasgow is a city with a rich history of innovation and of adapting to change, and these are crucial requirements in the 21st century," he said. "This award recognises Glasgow's positive exploitation of broadband to meet the challenges of digital and social inclusion.
"The city will continue to develop innovative ways of using new technologies to drive economic growth for the benefit to its citizens and the Scottish economy."
John G Jung, chairman of the Intelligent Community Forum, said the impact of broadband on economic growth should not be underestimated.
"The finalists in each category represent a vast range of projects, people and technologies," he said.
"It proves to us that the Intelligent Community movement has taken on different shapes and is being driven by different requirements in places everywhere."
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This award recognises Glasgow's positive exploitation of broadband 
