The World Intellectual Property Organization named Charleroi, Liverpool and Shanghai as the first winners of its City of Innovation awards program on October 12, 2026. The awards recognize cities committing to advance innovation and creativity in their communities.
First Cohort of Winners
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced the winners on October 12, 2026, noting that urban areas generate 80% of global GDP and are increasingly important engines of economic growth. Launched at the annual UN Forum of Mayors, the award recognizes municipalities pledging to create ecosystems that unlock the innovative and creative potential of residents.
WIPO Director General Daren Tang stated that invention is a solo game while innovation is a team sport, noting that cities connect ideas, communities and cultures together. A nine-person independent international jury selected the 2026 winners from 15 finalists based on the ambition and credibility of their pledges.
Winning City Pledges
Charleroi, Belgium, pledged to build on its A6K-E6K innovation and training hub to attract technology start-ups, equip people with digital and creative skills, help innovators protect ideas, and support greener economy technologies. Liverpool, United Kingdom, pledged to develop a new innovation strategy, expand business support for intellectual property, and bring universities, businesses, local government and residents closer together through science, technology and arts activities.
Shanghai, China, pledged to expand education and practical support on intellectual property, widen access to facilities and data supporting innovation, help cultural and creative businesses grow, and connect researchers and entrepreneurs with businesses and investors. WIPO stated it will work with the winning cities to document their initiatives and track the realization of their pledges.
Key facts and where they come from
- WIPO named Charleroi, Liverpool and Shanghai as the first winners of its City of Innovation awards program.
named Charleroi (Belgium), Liverpool (United Kingdom) and Shanghai (China) as the first winners of its “City of Innovation” awards program
- Urban areas generate 80% of global GDP and are home to about half of the world’s population.
Urban areas are already home to about half of the world’s population and generate 80% of global GDP
- A nine-person independent international jury selected the 2026 winners from 15 finalists.
A nine-person independent international jury selected the 2026 winners from 15 finalists.
