[custom_adv] Modern cities are the home to most of the world's population and intellectual and economic capital. Periodically, a comprehensive report is prepared by PriceWaterhouseCoopers of the top performing business cities in the world. [custom_adv] In 2016, the report analyzed a city's performance and functionality by evaluating (10) indicators across (67) variables to reveal how well-balanced a city is for both businesses and residents. London claimed the #1 spot with Singapore and Toronto following closely behind, and New York sitting on the 6th spot this time around. [custom_adv] Capital market centers. Many of the cities included are hubs of commerce, communications and culture. But all are financial capitals of their region—meaning each plays an important role not only locally but also as a vital part of a globalizing economic fabric. [custom_adv] Successful towns and cities are increasingly being recognised as vital to the health of our national economy. Success does not happen by chance but as a result of good planning based on a long-term vision and co-ordinated implementation. [custom_adv] Competitive and thriving towns and cities attract dynamic and innovative knowledge workers, entrepreneurs and companies. They appeal to talented people because they offer a high quality of life, effective transport systems, high environmental quality, good leisure and recreation opportunities, thriving cultural centres, arts and historic heritage, and a distinctive cultural identity. [custom_adv] Creativity is a hallmark of successful towns and cities. Creative towns and cities facilitate new ways of thinking and innovative ways of solving problems. They foster new partnerships and support centres of learning. [custom_adv] Creative cities have a strong identity, a rich cultural life and are well connected regionally and internationally. They have a culture of innovation and they invest in people. Creative cities connected to global markets are a primary source of innovation, technological development and wealth creation in modern economies. [custom_adv] Successful towns and cities provide a high quality of life where people choose to live and work. They provide attractive living environments, they offer good leisure and recreational opportunities, and they support a thriving cultural life. [custom_adv] Liveable places provide choices in housing, work, transport and lifestyle opportunities. They are easy to move around, with accessible services and a variety of integrated transport options that include walking and cycling. Their public spaces are accessible, well used and safe. Liveable places are healthy places to live, and they have low levels of crime. [custom_adv] Environmentally responsible towns and cities manage resources to take account of the needs of present and future generations. Growth and economic development is sympathetic to the natural environment and cultural heritage and minimises the city's environmental footprint.
