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From artificial intelligence-powered transportation to cashless living. These are the five cities that are home to the leading innovation centers, thanks to their cutting-edge technology and everyday ingenuity, according to the Global Innovation Index them, the top 100 hubs-ranging from San Francisco to Shenzhen-account for more than 70% of global patents and venture capital activity discover how technology shapes everyday life and how visitors can experience cutting-edge ideas, often before they reach the rest of the world, we spoke with residents of the five leading innovation centers.

1. Shenzhen – Hong Kong – Guangzhou, China

China entered the top 10 of the ranking this year for the first time, driven by its growing number of patents, scientific investment, and venture capital growth. The country now has 24 of the 100 leading hubs in the report.

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou technology hub in southern China ranks number one. In this region, technology is part of everyday life and innovation is embedded in the culture.

2. Tokyo-Yokohama, Japan

Ranked second, the Tokyo-Yokohama hub produces the highest percentage of international patent filings in the world, accounting for more than 10% of global filings.

However, what residents appreciate is that technology and innovation feel practical rather than flashy.

“In Japan, technology isn't a wild imagination of flying cars like we all imagine it would be in 2050,” said Dana Yao, who met her husband in Tokyo and now divides her time between Japan and the United States.

Instead, she says, it's the train card that can be used for buses and vending machines, and the AI sensors in convenience stores that enable self-checkout and cashless payment.

“You'll find these small but powerful innovations everywhere. They're high-tech, but they're still so human and really useful,” he notes.

Travelers can experience this world of advanced technology at the Henn Na Hotel, where check-in is fully automated, some of the staff are robotic, and“smart beds” adjust the temperature for optimal sleep. Yao also recommends riding the driverless train on the Yurikamome line in Tokyo Bay.“It's fully automated and gives you stunning views of the city and Rainbow Bridge,” he said.

For a dose of digital wonder, teamLab Planets offers an immersive artistic experience in technology.“Entire rooms react to your movements, light, and sound,” Yao said.“It's just incredible.”

3. San Francisco, USA.

Known worldwide as Silicon Valley, the San Jose-San Francisco cluster leads the world in venture capital, generating nearly 7% of all global transactions. In addition, the GII report found that it has the highest concentration of innovation activity per capita.

That density is what continues to attract entrepreneurs and startup founders, especially as the opportunity created by artificial intelligence becomes apparent.

“I never wanted to live in San Francisco until now. It's like the original dot-com boom. Very smart people are gathering here, and the people who left have come back,” says new San Francisco resident Ritesh Patel, founder of Ticket Fairy.

That means networking opportunities are everywhere.

“You could be at a dinner party having a conversation about the challenges you face as a startup founder, and the next minute someone at the table says they can help,” he adds.

“They send a text message, and suddenly you have a meeting with an important person you could never have contacted by email or social media. It's wild!”

For visitors to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, it's all about trying out technology before it hits the mass market.“You'll discover cutting-edge technologies that the rest of the world won't know about for another 6 to 12 months,” says Patel.

4. Beijing, China

China's capital surpassed all other cities in terms of scientific research output, contributing 4% of all articles published worldwide.

But residents say Beijing's real strength lies in its balance between high-tech infrastructure and deep cultural roots.

“Other 'smart cities' really focus on the modern edge, but Beijing combines innovation, culture, and livability, which makes it feel simultaneously advanced yet unique,” says Elle Farrell-Kingsley, who currently has her headquarters in the Chinese capital.

She says daily life is driven by super apps such as Alipay and WeChat, which include translation options, QR code payments, and food ordering options.

She also says that AI, particularly Deepseek and DouBao, is integrated into everyday services, making translation easier for English speakers.

5. Seoul, South Korea

Ranked fifth among innovation hubs in this ranking, Seoul accounts for 5.4% of global patent applications and leads Asia in venture capital investment (ranking second overall behind San Francisco).

Residents say South Korea's drive to innovate stems from necessity, as the small country has limited natural resources to draw on.

“The country has to compete through innovation and technology. Many people's grandparents lived in poverty, so there is still this great drive and energy to grow, improve, innovate, and not fall behind,” says Chris Oberman, who has lived in Seoul since 2024 and writes about his travels on Moving Jack.

Much of the innovation and technology is integrated into everyday life. Houses often have doors that open with digital codes, and cashless payment systems mean you only need your phone when you go out.

“Keys, cards, my wallet, cash-I can leave them all at home,” he adds.

Visitors can experience the city's futuristic infrastructure along Cheongyecheon Stream, a walkable plaza featuring autonomous electric buses that passengers can hop on and off.

Throughout the city, cashierless convenience stores operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing customers to take products and pay at smart machines, while AI system track inventory and prevent theft.

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