Lisbon and Linköping - European Capitals of Innovation 2023

Lisbon, Portugal, and Linköping, Sweden, have emerged as the victors of the 2023 European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) Awards, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon cities that excel in fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems. The announcement about the winners of European Capitals of Innovation 2023 was made by the European Commission on November 27th.

Lisbon – One of European Capitals of Innovation 2023

Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, has witnessed an extraordinary surge in its tech scene over the past two years. Now recognized as Europe’s “Unicorn Capital,” the city has become a magnet for entrepreneurs worldwide. Lisbon is actively pursuing a strategy to cultivate large-scale enterprises and integrate technology with culture, sustainability, and citizen engagement. More about the innovative Lisbon

Linköping – One of European Capitals of Innovation 2023

Linköping, Sweden’s fifth-largest city, finds itself at a pivotal moment in its history, where a confluence of favourable factors has coalesced to nurture an environment ripe for unprecedented growth and unwavering optimism for the future. Linköping’s rich history, dating back to the 12th century, is characterised by knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, and groundbreaking innovation. The city’s foundation for today’s Linköping University was laid in the 1960s, embodying its vision of embracing bold ideas and innovation as its enduring legacy. More about innovative Linköping

The iCapital Awards ceremony was held in Marseille, France, and presided over by Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. Commissioner Ivanova applauded the achievements of Lisbon and Linköping, stating,

“They are shining examples of how cities can harness innovation to reshape their urban landscapes, address demographic and economic challenges, and work for the betterment of their residents. I also commend all finalists, as they are shaping a brighter future for humanity through innovation.”