(February 20, 2018 - New York City) – The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) today released No Neighbor Left Behind. The new research report shares dynamics, definitions and successful examples of Digital Equality in action in six Intelligent Communities.

The success of Intelligent Communities in building a digitally-powered innovation economy contains a sharp risk: that more of our citizens will be left behind, shut out of opportunity and civic life by the onrush of technology. To lessen that risk, Intelligent Communities pursue digital equality: the chance for every citizen to participate in the digital economy and society, regardless of income, age, education or disability. The more equal we can make our citizens in the digital world, the more capable and productive they will be. And that reduces the costs and problems caused by those who are left on the margins of society.

No Neighbor Left Behind focuses on Riverside, California, USA, the 2012 Intelligent Community of the Year; New Taipei City, Taiwan, a three-time Top7 Community; Taoyuan City, Taiwan, also a three-time Top7 Community; Tainan City, Taiwan, a first-time Top7 Community in 2018; Manchester, UK, a Top7 Community in 2006; and Whittlesea, Victoria, Australia, a four-time Smart21 Community. The report shares how municipal governments, not-for-profits and individuals in these communities have taken creative and generous steps to invest in bringing along as many of their neighbors and fellow residents as possible.

“Digital equality or inclusion is often thought of as charity," said ICF co-founder Robert Bell. “It's not. The digital revolution risks marginalizing many more of our citizens and making local business less competitive. Leaving people and businesses out costs money for social services, criminal justice, emergency room visits and lost tax revenue. These are all costs borne by government, and there is every reason for local governments to take the challenge seriously. Our new report shows communities around the world doing exactly that.”

The report is available free for ICF Members, and for purchase for non-members.

About the Intelligent Community Forum
The Intelligent Community Forum (www.intelligentcommunity.org), headquartered in New York, is a global movement of 170 cities, metro regions and counties with a think tank at its heart and a mission to make everyone’s “hometown” at great place. ICF studies and promotes the best practices of the world's Intelligent Communities as they adapt to the new demands and seize the opportunities presented by information and communications technology (ICT). To help cities and regions build prosperous economies, solve social problems and enrich local cultures, the Intelligent Community Forum conducts research, hosts events around the globe, publishes books, and produces its high-profile annual international awards program. The Forum sponsors research Institutes in North America dedicated to the study of the movement, and national organizations in Canada and Taiwan, both home to many Intelligent Communities. In 2012 ICF was invited to participate at the Nobel Peace Prize conference in Oslo and in 2014, its model and work was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which, according to the American government, was "aimed at creating a more flexible and responsive system of workforce development to meet the needs of employers looking to fill 21st century jobs.” The Forum’s membership is made up of 170 designated Intelligent Communities worldwide. For more information, go to www.intelligentcommunity.org/icf_membership. For more details on the Intelligent Community Forum’s recent publications and programs, www.intelligentcommunity.org.

Intelligent Community Forum Contacts
Matthew Owen
Director of Operations
Intelligent Community Forum
Phone: +1 646-291-6166 (x105)
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @Newcommunities