Intelligent and Investment-Ready
The Economic Transformation of Vietnam
December 2-4, 2025
ICF is currently planning an extended VIP Delegation from 1-7 December to Binh Duong Ward and Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to learn more about this Delegation opportunity, please fill out this short expression-of-interest form.
Vietnam is undertaking one of the most ambitious economic transformations in the world: to evolve its successful agricultural and manufacturing economy into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven engine of growth. The model for that change lies in southern Vietnam near Ho Chi Minh City: Binh Duong Ward, ICF’s 2023 Intelligent Community of the Year and an ICF Certified Intelligent Community.
At “Intelligent and Investment Ready,” attendees will see first-hand how the progress of Binh Duong as an Intelligent Community is one part of a national program of investment attraction and innovation, accompanied by an historic reorganization of municipal and provincial governments. Through conference sessions, social events and meetings, attendees will make connections, identify opportunities and update their understanding of best practices in economic and community development.
The Summit will also introduce the Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2025 and showcase their application of the Community Accelerator Strategy. On the final evening of the Summit, one of the Top7 will be named the Intelligent Community of the Year for 2025, succeeding Curitiba, Brazil.
Summit Agenda at a Glance
Exact timing and additional sessions to be announced soon.
2 December - "Accelerate to Intelligent Community"
The first day of the Summit will provide attendees with the opportunity to take a deep dive into the Community Accelerator Strategy, as well as provide a look into the world's Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2025.
The agenda will also feature panel discussions on community leadership and turning plans into action, as well as the Top7 Presentations: a series of 15-minute presentations delivered by representatives from the Top7 Communities of 2025. In these short spotlight presentations, attendees will learn a bit about each of the Top7's intelligent community journeys, and will take home insights from some of the world's most impressive examples of the Community Accelerator Strategy in action.
In the evening, attendees will join the Top7 Reception, networking event celebrating the Top7 Intelligent Communities of 2025.
09:00 - 09:45: Welcome Remarks and Introductory Presentation
Attendees are welcomed to the event and are shown an introductory presentation about Ho Chi Minh MegaCity.
09:45 - 10:00: Keynote Presentation: The Community Accelerator Strategy
Intelligent Communities pursue economic and community development in a new way that breaks through the usual institutional barriers of local government to achieve more: a dynamic, prosperous and inclusive local economy, a strong and connected local society, and a rich and meaningful local culture.
These are the things that, together, make a great place to live, work, build a business or career and create a path for the next generation. In our digital century, the advance of technology is both a threat to these values and an asset that Intelligent Communities put to work for the benefit of their people, businesses and institutions. But how do we set our communities on this path?
In this session, attendees will get a look into the Community Accelerator Strategy, and start to learn how they can take their Intelligent Community journey.
Delivered by Robert Bell, Co-Founder, Intelligent Community Forum.
10:00 - 10:15: Top7 Presentation: Assai, Paraná, Brazil
Founded in 1920 by Japanese immigrants, Assaí originally prospered as the “white gold capital” of cotton production. But as agricultural production shifted elsewhere, the city diversified its economy and developed a workforce ready for new industries. In 2022, it enacted a strategic plan to attract investment from multinational companies, leading to partnerships with over 90 firms and making Assaí the first CityLab in Brazil. These partnerships led to high-quality fiber and wireless connectivity, which powered another initiative called City Points SUNFLOWER. This program rewards users with cashback and retail discounts that encourage citizens to recycle, use renewable energy, and vaccinate against diseases. The same idea has been applied to education through “gamification” which motivates students and prepares their community for the future. Learn more >>>
Representing Assaí will be:
- Mayor Michel Angelo Bomtempo, City of Assaí, Paraná, Brazil
- Igor Lima Freire Oliveira, Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, City of Assaí, Paraná, Brazil
10:15 - 10:30: Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Turkiye
The first ever Top7 community from Türkiye, Bursa stands as a city where the echoes of history harmonize with the rhythms of modernity. By deploying citywide free Wi-Fi, real-time surveillance systems, smart lighting, and interactive urban furniture, Bursa has significantly enhanced digital connectivity and public services. The city has built a powerful innovation ecosystem through initiatives like the B-CUBE Smart City and Innovation Centre and the Bursa Model Factory, which foster entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and Industry 4.0 adoption. Bursa also champions inclusive governance through participatory programs such as the “Mayor is Here” initiative and the Strategic Plan Survey, ensuring that residents actively shape the city’s future. Learn more >>>
Representing Bursa Metropolitan Municipality at the Summit will be:
- Mayor Mustafa BOZBEY, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye
- Hakan ARIK, Head of the Information Processing Department, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye
10:30 - 11:00: Coffee/Networking Break
11:00 - 12:00: Panel Session: Leaders' Panel
A panel of mayors and leaders from current and former Smart21, Top7, and Intelligent Communities of the Year discuss the challenges and opportunities they face in their respective cities. Additional speakers to be confirmed soon.
Speakers include:
- John Jung, Co-Founder, Intelligent Community Forum; Toronto, ON, Canada (Moderator)
12:00 - 12:15: Top7 Presentation: Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
This regional municipality provides shared services and program coordination to eight local governments in Ontario, Canada – a diverse group with economic sectors ranging from agriculture to automotive manufacturing and clean energy. It has completed the first phase of Project Genesis, a 700-kilometer fiber network targeting more than 1,800 households in underserved rural areas. A regional program is helping hundreds of low-income families every year access Canada’s financial assistance programs for post-secondary education. Senior citizen centers provide low-cost tech training to thousands of older residents. In March, it made headlines with the successful delivery of the third generation of the CityROVER A.I. system, which was developed by Visual Defence in collaboration with the Durham Region and the Ontario Government. Durham Region’s use of CityROVER A.I. for pothole detection is just one of the many examples of its Intelligent Community practices. Learn more >>>
Representing Durham Region at the Summit will be:
- Alison Burgess, Director Communications and Engagement Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
- Amanda Hobin, Policy Advisor, Community Relations, Communications and Engagement Division, Region of Durham, Ontario, Canada
12:15 - 12:30: Top7 Presentation: Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
Once known primarily for its spiritual roots, Fairfield/Jefferson County has evolved into a dynamic hub dubbed “Silicorn Valley,” boasting nearly six times more small businesses per 100 people than the average for US cities. Its widespread broadband adoption, supported by local ISPs and federal grants, connects over 90% of households and is expanding into surrounding rural areas. The city has made a strong commitment to talent development through initiatives like the Portrait of a Graduate program and involvement in multiple programs at Maharishi International University, whose top-five-ranked computer science program draws global talent. Fairfield fosters startups through CoLab and supports established firms via the FEDA Business Park, while also investing in quality of life through arts venues, nonprofit childcare, and green energy leadership, including one of the nation’s most advanced solar power systems. Learn more >>>
Representing Fairfield/Jefferson County at the Summit will be:
- Bob Ferguson, Senior Master-Coordinator, Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
- Seth Miller, President, Advocacy and Administration, Fairfield, Iowa, USA
- Marg Dwyer, Co-Chair; Interim Chair Southeast Iowa Sierra Club, USA
- Nahom Abegaze, Director, Maharishi Intl. Univ., Fairfield, Iowa, USA
12:30 - 13:30: Lunch/Networking Break
13:30 - 13:45: Top7 Presentation: Hilliard, Ohio, USA
This city of 38,000 in the metropolitan region of Columbus is a model of small-city innovation and growth on a technology foundation. In just a few years, its municipal dark-fiber network has attracted many service providers, while connecting companies, schools, and city buildings, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. Its partnership with Amazon Web Services brings technology and business education into schools, while the city and its partners have launched more than a dozen apprenticeship programs in technology, healthcare, and IT. The Hilliard City Lab is guiding high-tech companies to prototype new technologies, including an automated drone network to support first responders, which NASA, the US Air Force, and other government agencies expect to become a national template. In May, the city opened an A.I. Sandbox, allowing Hilliard businesses to test artificial intelligence concepts and products without exhausting their budgets. The city’s achievements have not gone unnoticed - in March, Hilliard was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Economic Development Companies for 2025.
Representing Hilliard at the Summit will be:
- David Meadows, Economic Development Director, Hilliard, Ohio, USA
13:45 - 14:00: Top7 Presentation: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Kingston has evolved from its historic role as Canada’s first capital and a key military post into a thriving hub of innovation, sustainability, and cultural vitality. Strategically located at the meeting point of major waterways and within reach of major cities, the city leverages its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and one of the nation’s most educated workforces to build a dynamic, future-ready economy. Home to Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, and leading research institutions, Kingston fosters the commercialization of green technologies and life sciences while supporting a burgeoning startup ecosystem ranked Canada’s best among small cities. With investments in open-access broadband, cleantech, and cultural development through the Kingston Culture Plan, the city has also prioritized inclusivity, sustainability, and quality of life. Kingston’s Integrated Economic Development Strategy focuses on sustainable manufacturing, health innovation, and creative industries, transforming the city into a resilient, connected, and forward-thinking community. Learn more >>>
Representing Kingston at the Summit will be:
- Donna Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer, Kingston Economic Development Corporation
14:00 - 15:00: Panel Session: Talk Less; Implement More: Accelerating Innovation
Planning and stating intentions are good, but progress comes from concrete action and implementation. This panel focuses on how communities can get out of the planning phase and take real, actionable steps towards becoming intelligent. Additional speakers to be confirmed soon.
Speakers include:
- Joost Helms, Director, Eindhoven International Project Office; Eindhoven, Netherlands (Moderator)
15:00 - 15:15: Top7 Presentation: Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain
Las Rozas has leveraged its high-income, business-friendly environment and strategic proximity to Madrid to foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive digital transformation. Through Las Rozas Inova, the city has developed a dynamic innovation ecosystem that supports startups, public-private technology pilots, and the digital evolution of local businesses. Its multi-level workforce development strategy equips residents with advanced digital and entrepreneurial skills, while programs like Emprende and municipal bootcamps create real employment pathways. Near-total broadband adoption has allowed the city to deploy smart commercial Wi-Fi zones and data-driven promotional tools, with a special focus on supporting pandemic-impacted retailers. With initiatives like carbon-reducing rideshare programs, automated waste collection, solar-powered buildings, and smart irrigation, Las Rozas is pairing economic dynamism with sustainable urban living – proving that even communities in a capital region can innovate boldly on their own terms. Learn more >>>
Representing Las Rozas de Madrid at the Summit will be:
- Alba Monteiro Gil, City Councillor for Economy, Innovation and Employment, Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain
- Alejandro Saldaña González, Technical Advisor, Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain
15:15 - 15:45: Lunch/Networking Break
15:45 - 17:15: Workshop Session: How Do We Start Our Journey?
ICF’s Robert Bell and BABLE’s Tamlyn Shimizu, along with one representative of each Top7, join the stage for an open discussion with the audience participation reviewing ideas that inspired them, and what they took away from the day’s sessions.
Speakers include:
- Robert Bell, Co-Founder, Intelligent Community Forum (Moderator)
- Tamlyn Shimizu, Global Partnerships & Communications Lead, BABLE Smart Cities (Moderator)
17:15 - 17:30: Closing Remarks
3 December - "Driving Growth in Technology, Logistics and Sustainable Urbanism"
As we near the announcement of the 2025 Intelligent Community of the Year, the second day of the Summit will begin with a formal opening ceremony before heading into a day filled with panels and presentations.
In the evening, attendees will join the Intelligent Community Awards Dinner, featuring the announcement of one of the Top7 Intelligent Communities becoming the 2025 Intelligent Community of the Year.
09:00 - 10:00: Opening Ceremony
A grand opening ceremony celebrating the event and the forthcoming announcement of a new Intelligent Community of the Year.
10:00 - 10:30: Coffee/Networking Break
10:30 - 10:40: Welcome Back / Recap
ICF Co-founder Robert Bell welcomes us back and recaps the first day of the ICF Global Summit.
10:40 - 11:00: Keynote: Competitive Advantages of Intelligent Communities
ICF Co-founder John Jung discusses the importance of gaining competitive advantages for economic development purposes, and how the Intelligent Community framework enables communities to develop such advantages.
11:00 - 11:30: The Competitive Advantages of the new Ho Chi Minh
An exploration into the provincial and structural changes that happened in Vietnamese government in 2025, and how Ho Chi Minh has potential for great economic activity moving forward. Moderated by John Jung, who is joined by Joost Helms, Director, Eindhoven International Project Office.
11:30 - 12:30: Economic Developers Roundtable
Economic Development officials from Intelligent Communities discuss issues facing their communities, and how they attract investment.
Speakers include:
- Tamlyn Shimizu, Global Partnerships & Communications Lead, BABLE Smart Cities (Moderator)
12:30 - 13:30: Lunch/Networking Break
13:30 - 14:00: Keynote Address
Peter Portheine, Director, Eindhoven International Project Office, delivers a keynote address on developing ecosystems primed for growth and the importance of branding communities for FDI.
14:00 - 14:20: Case Study: The Ho Chi Minh MegaCity Smart City Journey
Peter Portheine is joined by local representatives to discuss the Ho Chi Minh MegaCity's Smart City Journey, including the 2023 designation of the Binh Duong Ward as the Intelligent Community of the Year.
14:20 - 15:00: The Auditor Reports
In a look ahead to the announcement of the Intelligent Community of the Year, each ICF Auditor who visited the communities shares a bit of information about what they learned about the community they visited.
Speakers include:
- Discussing Assaí: Jim Stifler, Burton D. Morgan Mentor, JumpStart, Inc
- Discussing Bursa: John Jung, Co-Founder, ICF
- Discussing Durham Region: Cynthia Richmond, Former Deputy Director, Arlington Economic
- Development
- Discussing Fairfield/Jefferson County: Doug McCollough, CEO, The Beta District
- Discussing Hilliard: Wendy Dupley, Economic Development Advisor, City of Langley, BC, Canada
- Discussing Kingston: Robert Bell, Co-Founder, ICF
- Discussing Las Rozas de Madrid: Rob McCann, President, Hamilton Technology Centre
- Matthew Owen, Executive Director, ICF (Moderator)
15:00 - 15:30: Coffee/Networking Break