Measuring cities’ performance: Proposal of a Composite Index for the intelligence dimension

Abstract This study aims to systematize indicators and indices that allow measurement of governance and information and communication technology (ICT) as sub-dimensions of cities’ intelligence performance, and also present their individual weights in that performance. A systematization of 11 theoretical and empirical indices was elaborated, focused on these sub-dimensions as intrinsic pillars of cities’ intelligence. The results allow construction of a Composite Index for Intelligence supported by multivariate statistical techniques confirming its scientific quality and robustness, forming the main contribution of this study. The results for the context of Portuguese cities also show the need to continue to equip cities with ICT and its articulation with open and participative governance, besides continuing to incentivise the formation of urban networks. Other implications for theory and practice are presented, together with suggestions for future research.