Astana Ranks Second in Smart Centers Index 2023 for Eastern Europe and Central Asia
- Astana has achieved a significant milestone by ranking second in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the 10th edition of the Smart Centers Index (SCI 10), published by...
- In the global context, Astana holds the 52nd position out of 77 centers reviewed.
- The Smart Centers Index assesses the ability of global commercial and financial hubs to innovate in fields such as science, energy, and technology.
Astana Ranks Second in Smart Centers Index
Astana has achieved a significant milestone by ranking second in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the 10th edition of the Smart Centers Index (SCI 10), published by Z/Yen. The announcement was made by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) on November 27.
In the global context, Astana holds the 52nd position out of 77 centers reviewed. Cyprus takes the lead, while Tallinn is in third place.
The Smart Centers Index assesses the ability of global commercial and financial hubs to innovate in fields such as science, energy, and technology. Astana entered the index in November 2022, initially ranking 64th.
Leading centers in the index feature strong university sectors in STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and effective regulatory environments. This combination fosters innovation and commercial success.
AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov highlights that innovation in the financial sector is crucial for growth. The AIFC supports sectors including banking, green finance, and financial technology.
Currently, the AIFC hosts over 3,400 companies from more than 80 countries, with 20% operating in information and communication technology. It also supports various crowdfunding and cryptocurrency platforms.
The SCI Index uses 132 data points from sources like the World Bank and OECD, combined with feedback from 287 survey respondents. The latest edition reviewed 131 centers, with 77 qualifying for this ranking.
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