Does the construction of smart cities promote urban green innovation? Evidence from China

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on panel data of 152 cities in China from 2005 to 2019, this study employs the difference-in-difference model (DID) to empirically study the policy effect, mechanism, and heterogeneity of smart city construction on urban green innovation. The empirical results indicate that smart city construction promotes the quantity and quality of urban green innovation. The results also show regional heterogeneity, which depends on the underlying mechanisms, including the fiscal expenditure, personnel input, and information infrastructure. Furthermore, the impact of smart city construction on urban green innovation is more positive in cities with higher initial innovation conditions. This study provides new evidence for the innovation effects of smart infrastructure construction.