Spain's economic success stories have been thin on the ground since the onset of the global financial crisis, but that is changing, with capital city Madrid leading the country's charge across the hi-tech, transport and real estate sectors.

It is estimated that smart cities will present opportunities worth $1500bn over the next five years, with urban areas in emerging markets at the forefront of this development. But can a move towards 'smart' fill the huge infrastructural, social and energy requirements of these cities?

Tartu, Estonia's second city, has a small population but great ambitions to attract tech companies. Could it become the new testing lab of Europe? 

Iceland's cool climate has helped the country carve a niche as one of the world's most cost-effective destinations for data centres. Now, it is looking to exploit its other quirks – such as its near-complete reliance on renewable energy – to attract more foreign investment.

The decline of once-dominant telecommunications giant Nokia had grim repercussions for the Finnish city of Tampere, in which it employed 4000 people at its peak. However, with an educated, highly skilled workforce, and its innovative streak still fully intact, Tampere is filling the 'Nokia gap' with a number of exciting projects.