Antwerp and Leuven compete for the title of European Capital of Innovation
Both Leuven and Antwerp are in the running to be named the best innovative city in Europe in 2018. Indeed, both cities have been nominated along with 10 other European cities for the iCapital title, which is awarded annually by the European Commission to a city using innovation to improve the daily lives of its citizens.
It is the first time that a Belgian city has featured among the finalists. The other cities in the running for the title are Aarhus, Athens, Bristol, Gothenburg, Hamburg, Lisbon, Madrid, Toulouse, Umeå and Vienna. Last year Paris was named Europe's most innovative capital.
Contenders must have an open and dynamic innovation ecosystem, involve their citizens in decision-making, and use innovation to improve the resilience and sustainability of the city. The winning city will be announced in Lisbon on 6 November and will receive a grand prize of 1 million euros.