Sangha of Auspicious Companions

World’s Smartest City: a Tiny German Village

In Etteln, Germany, the essence of a smart city isn’t just about technology—it’s about community. This small village of 1,750 residents outshone global metropolises to win the title of the world’s smartest city by fostering a spirit of collaboration. When faced with challenges like rural depopulation and a school closure due to low enrollment in 2012, Etteln organically formed a grassroots movement to create change. In 2020, during the pandemic lockdown, 55 residents on the outskirts were excluded from a fiber-optic rollout. Balking at the 2.5 million euro pricetag to connect those residents, “sixty-five people volunteered… [making] sure high-speed internet reaches the last milk churn,” recounts Ulrich Ahle, the enthusiastic municipal administrator. The community’s sense of solidarity transformed Etteln into a trailblazer for digital innovation, like their 3D village and safety-smart urban planning. Their journey highlights how unity and homegrown initiatives can transform any ordinary place into an extraordinary beacon of hope and progress.

Be The Change

Engage with your community by initiating a local project that addresses a shared challenge or opportunity.