Astana Ranks Among Top Three Smart Cities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Astana has once again confirmed its status as one of the region’s most innovative cities, ranking 3rd in the Smart Cities Index for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and rising to 46th place globally in the Smart Centres Index (SCI).
What is the Smart Centres Index?
The Smart Centres Index is a global ranking that evaluates cities based on their ability to develop, implement, and scale innovative technologies. The research analyzes factors influencing digital transformation — from infrastructure development and human capital to regulatory environment and cultural readiness for innovation.
Astana’s Growth Trajectory
Since its debut in the ranking in 2022, Astana has shown steady progress:
2022: 64th place
2024 (SCI 9): 49th place
2025 (SCI 11): 46th place
The city ranks among the top three in the region, alongside Tallinn and Vilnius, ahead of capital cities like Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Moscow, and Istanbul.
Why Astana?
This success is driven by several key factors:
Development of digital infrastructure – Smart city technologies are being actively implemented in Astana, including intelligent transport systems, digital platforms for public utilities, AI-powered video surveillance, and automation of municipal services.
Urban mobility and sustainability – The city is working on environmentally sustainable projects, including smart lighting, electric mobility, and smart resource management.
Investment in human capital – There is growing support for STEM education, research labs, and tech startups, forming the foundation for a digital future.