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A new Adobe Express study has ranked the most innovative cities in both the UK and Europe, uncovering unexpected hotspots where creativity, technology, and forward-thinking solutions are shaping the future.
The ranking was established by analysing factors such as university excellence, Wi-Fi speeds, tech job density, and innovation index scores offering a data-led look at the places best positioned to drive the next wave of breakthroughs.
From bustling capitals to coastal hot spots, there are various cities across the UK where innovation is thriving:
1. London
London leads the way when it comes to innovation in the UK, boasting a total score of 74.29. With Imperial College London ranked 2nd globally, and over 57% of local job listings in tech, there’s no surprise the capital stole the top spot.
With its population of 8,776,535, London is a city invested in new ideas, technologies, and creative solutions.
2. Southampton
Next up we have Southampton, a city with a much smaller population of 249,604. Southampton boasts an impressive 72.9 tech jobs per 100,000 people, and internet speeds of 150 Mbps (the second highest on our list).
The University of Southampton is also ranked 80th worldwide, boosting the city’s total innovation score to 65.06.
3. Bristol
With a score of 53.51, Bristol ranks third on our list of the UK’s most innovative cities. With 144.6 tech jobs per 100,000, and a university which is ranked 54th worldwide, the city is a hot spot for talent.
Bristol also boasts an innovation index score of 127.6, suggesting high levels of research and innovation performance.
4. Manchester
With the highest percentage of tech jobs in our ranking (187.9 per 100,000) Manchester steals the fourth spot.
Scoring 50.02 overall, the city is home to the University of Manchester (ranked 34th), and it has average Wi-Fi speeds of 75 Mbps. These findings reflect the city’s reputation as a hotspot for digital innovation.
5. Brighton and Hove
Rounding off our top five we have Brighton and Hove, scoring 42.27. While the city has less tech jobs per 100,000 (37.5), it’s a well-known hub for creative innovation.
With an innovation index score of 141.3, Brighton is certainly deserving of the final spot.