Győr is the most dynamic and innovative city in Hungary, according to a study published by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), which found that Széchenyi István University is closely linked to the economy of the county seat and is also a catalyst for intellectual life. The researchers ranked the 25 municipalities according to 30 indicators.

The latest issue of the scientific journal Területi Statisztika, issued by KSH, published the study "Measuring the economic and environmental sustainability of Hungarian cities with county rights, 2020-2021" by Tamás T. Sikos and Dóra Szendi, colleagues of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Miskolc. The researchers assessed the 25 municipalities in three of the UN Sustainable Development Goals - decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; and sustainable cities and communities. A complex index of almost 30 indicators was used to determine the final ranking.

Győr tops the list, ahead of other university and school towns such as Pécs, Debrecen, Miskolc, Sopron, Veszprém, Szeged, Kecskemét, Szombathely and Eger.

Győr's beautiful natural surroundings and historic buildings are an attraction for many.

The study concludes that Győr is "today the most dynamic and innovative county seat", with the highest complexity index. "The city's dynamism and current development process is significantly influenced by the Audi Hungaria Zrt.  and its associated supplier network. Due to the excellent job opportunities, the net income per inhabitant is high (...) (HUF 1,662,287), while the proportion of jobseekers registered after 180 days is low (4.0 thousandths)," the researchers concluded. They added that residents' satisfaction with their financial situation is 5.9 (on a scale of 0-10), which is the highest.

"The secondary and higher education in Győr is of high quality, the Széchenyi István University is a key player in the life of the city, closely linked to the city's economy and a catalyst for the intellectual life of the city.

The many historic buildings also contribute significantly to the city's atmosphere, and this has an impact on residents' satisfaction with their living environment, which is 7.8 (on a scale of 0-10). In addition, the clean environment (...) also improves the image of the city," the researchers concluded.

Students of Széchenyi István can gain up-to-date knowledge and a valuable diploma in the labour market at the institution (Photo: Csaba József Májer)

"Széchenyi István University has stated among its strategic goals that it intends to contribute to the development of the region and the well-being of society by developing technological fields with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The results of our efforts have already been positively acknowledged: for example, our institution was ranked among the top 300 universities in the world in the category "sustainable cities and communities" by Times Higher Education, which ranked our institution based on sustainability goals. The findings of the current academic study are further confirmation and prove that students come to a vibrant, beautiful, clean city, and with a valuable degree from our university, they can easily find employment and earn above average incomes."- Dr. Bálint Filep, President of Széchenyi István University, stressed.

Széchenyi István University also contributes to Győr's vibrant cultural and festival life (Photo: Csaba József Májer)

Ranking of the 25 cities with county status (complex index in brackets):1. Győr (65,44), 2. Veszprém (64,86), 3. Esztergom (60,79), 4. Érd (59,67), 5. Sopron (59,28), 6. Szombathely (58,24), 7. Tatabánya (57,08), 8. Székesfehérvár (56,04), 9. Szeged (51,16), 10. Hódmezővásárhely (50,16), 11. Kecskemét (48,66), 12. Eger (47,74), 13. Zalaegerszeg (47,35), 14. Nagykanizsa (45,21), 15. Nyíregyháza (44,44), 16. Pécs (44,17), 17. Szolnok (43,68), 18. Debrecen (43,44), 19. Dunaújváros (42,84), 20. Miskolc (42,24), 21. Békéscsaba (40,67), 22. Baja (38,43), 23. Kaposvár (36,67), 24. Szekszárd (36,20), 25. Salgótarján (34,79).