Smart City Construction Research Articles

Can the construction of smart cities promote the capital allocation efficiency: Evidence from China

Based on the panel data of 284 prefecture-level city in China from 2005 to 2019, this paper measures the urban capital allocation efficiency and takes smart city construction as a quasi-natural experiment. The multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model has been built to verify the internal mechanism and practical effect of smart city construction driving the optimal allocation of capital. The results show that the construction of smart cities has significantly improved the efficiency of capital allocation, and the conclusion remains valid after a series of robustness tests; Mechanism analysis shows that strengthening environmental regulations and improving innovation capabilities, together with the construction of smart cities, have promoted the improvement of capital allocation efficiency; The heterogeneity analysis indicates that the effect of smart city construction on capital allocation efficiency is influenced by the administrative level and regional heterogeneity characteristics of the city. This paper provides empirical evidence for the policy effectiveness of smart city construction and provides policy enlightenment on how to optimize capital allocation.

Can smart city policies foster digital innovation in the construction industry? Evidence from BIM-related patents in China

PurposeThe construction of smart cities holds the potential to drive digital innovation in the construction industry through various means, such as enhancing supply and demand. This study echoes the urgent need for the construction industry to overcome development challenges. Hence, it is necessary to study the extent and ways in which smart city policies promote digital innovation in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study treats China’s smart city policies as quasi-natural experiments. Using a dataset of Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2007 to 2021 and a difference-in-differences model, the study scrutinizes the impact of smart city policies on digital innovation within the construction industry.FindingsThe study reveals a substantial positive influence of smart city policies on digital innovation in the construction industry. In addition, the study explains these results by analysing supply-side and demand-side mechanisms. Moreover, the effect of smart city pilot policies on promoting digital innovation within the construction industry displays noteworthy heterogeneity across cities at different regional and political levels.Originality/valueBy exploring the impact and mechanisms of smart city policies on digital innovation in the construction industry, this research contributes to a more comprehensive and profound comprehension of the role of policies in facilitating the digital transformation of the construction sector. It is a valuable reference for policymakers and industry practitioners aiming to advance digital development.

Research on the Driving Effect of Smart City Construction on Regional Economic Development

As a new model of modern urban development, smart cities are promoting the sustainable development of regional economies through the deep integration of information technology and urban construction. This study, titled "Research on the Driving Effect of Smart City Construction on Regional Economic Development," systematically analyzes the theoretical foundation, current implementation status, and impact mechanisms of smart city construction on regional economic development. By comparing successful cases domestically and internationally, the study reveals the specific effects of smart city construction on optimizing resource allocation, upgrading industrial structures, and driving innovation. Using econometric models to analyze empirical data on smart city construction, the results indicate that smart city construction significantly promotes the coordinated development and competitiveness of regional economies. The study concludes with policy recommendations to further smart city construction and regional economic development, including strengthening government guidance, promoting corporate innovation, and optimizing public services, providing scientific guidance and references for smart city construction. The findings not only enrich the theoretical research in the fields of smart city and regional economic development but also offer valuable insights for practical policy-making.

Development of an intelligent building management systembased on BIM technology

The construction of smart cities has led to new demands for intelligent building management. This paper proposes an innovative building management system that integrates BIM, IoT, cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence technologies. The system architecture is rational, and its functional modules are comprehensive, achieving breakthroughs in key areas such as BIM visualization, fault diagnosis, and energy consumption optimization. Through practical testing, the system demonstrates outstanding capabilities in data processing, real-time performance, and fault recognition accuracy, providing solid technical support for the operation of green intelligent buildings and contributing to sustainable urban development.

Can Smart City Construction Promote Urban Green and High-Quality Development?—Validation Analysis from 156 Cities in China

The in-depth participation and application of new-generation information and communication technologies, such as big data, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, etc., in the field of smart cities have promoted their abilities in urban fine governance, public services, ecological livability, scientific and technological innovation, etc. Smart cities are gradually becoming recognized as the best solution to “urban problems”. Smart city construction drives urban innovative development, accumulates kinetic energy for economic growth, strengthens social support functions, enhances the effectiveness of the ecological environment, and promotes the convergence and integration of urban green development and high-quality development. This paper constructs a difference-in-differences model based on propensity score matching. Additionally, fiscal science and technology investment is introduced as mediating variables to further explain the mechanism through which smart city pilot policy impacts urban green and high-quality development. This research uses panel data from 156 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2019 to empirically test that the construction of smart cities has a significant positive effect on urban green and high-quality development. The mediation effect model shows that an increase in the level of local government’s fiscal science and technology investment enhances the positive effect of smart city construction on urban green and high-quality development. This research concludes with policy recommendations: the government should seize the development opportunity presented by smart city pilot policy, providing necessary policy support and financial incentive for the construction of smart cities. This will optimize the local economic structure, transform the driving forces of urban development, and assist cities in achieving green and high-quality development.

Smart-City Policy in China: Opportunities for Innovation and Challenges to Sustainable Development

Urban development relies on the promotion of innovation, while sustainable development is an inevitable requirement for green urban development. As the primary carrier of innovation and sustainable development, cities have seen the construction of smart cities become a hotspot topic of public concern against the backdrop of rapid advancements in information technology. Based on the Chinese smart-city pilot policies, this paper selects data from 278 prefecture-level cities between 2007 and 2020, employing difference-in-difference (DID), epsilon-based measures and global Malmquist–Luenberger index (EBM-GLM), and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to analyze the direct impact, spatial effects, and regional differences of smart-city construction on urban innovation capacity and sustainable development. The research results indicate the following: (1) the implementation of smart-city policies significantly enhances the urban innovation capacity (UCI), but its impact on green total-factor productivity (GTFP) is unstable and even insignificant; (2) the UCI and GTFP of smart cities have spillover effects, and the implementation of policies may inhibit the improvement of UCI and GTFP in neighboring cities; (3) the impact of smart-city construction varies across different regions, with a more significant promotion effect on the innovation capacity of economically developed cities.

Analysis on the influence of smart city construction on high-quality urban development

Analysis on the influence of smart city construction on high-quality urban development

Innovative Application of Intelligent Internet of Things in Smart Cities

The Internet of Things, as an important component of the new generation of information technology system, regards the Internet as the main carrier of information, enabling all ordinary physical objects that can be independently addressed to achieve interconnectivity. This is the key to promoting urban modernization and building smart cities. This paper analyzes and studies the application of Internet of Things technology in smart cities. Based on the understanding of relevant concepts, it aims to understand the relationship between IoT technologies and smart city construction, clarify the role of Internet of Things in smart city construction, and the challenges currently faced by IoT technologies in smart city application. Therefore, taking the smart community as the starting point, the application of the smart Internet of Things in the smart community is completed through eight steps: demand analysis, planning and design, sensor and device deployment, data collection, data storage, data analysis, control and scheduling, and user application development. The experiment results show that after establishing a smart community control platform based on smart IoT technologies, the failure rate of the comprehensive information sending end, receiving end, output system, and hardware system is low, the user experience satisfaction is high, and the platform performance is strong.

Improving real-time object detection in Internet-of-Things smart city traffic with YOLOv8-DSAF method

With the rise of global smart city construction, target detection technology plays a crucial role in optimizing urban functions and improving the quality of life. However, existing target detection technologies still have shortcomings in terms of accuracy, real-time performance, and adaptability. To address this challenge, this study proposes an innovative target detection model. Our model adopts the structure of YOLOv8-DSAF, comprising three key modules: depthwise separable convolution (DSConv), dual-path attention gate module (DPAG), and feature enhancement module (FEM). Firstly, DSConv technology optimizes computational complexity, enabling real-time target detection within limited hardware resources. Secondly, the DPAG module introduces a dual-channel attention mechanism, allowing the model to selectively focus on crucial areas, thereby improving detection accuracy in high-dynamic traffic scenarios. Finally, the FEM module highlights crucial features to prevent their loss, further enhancing detection accuracy. Additionally, we propose an Internet of Things smart city framework consisting of four main layers: the application domain, the Internet of Things infrastructure layer, the edge layer, and the cloud layer. The proposed algorithm utilizes the Internet of Things infrastructure layer, edge layer, and cloud layer to collect and process data in real-time, achieving faster response times. Experimental results on the KITTI V and Cityscapes datasets indicate that our model outperforms the YOLOv8 model. This suggests that in complex urban traffic scenarios, our model exhibits superior performance with higher detection accuracy and adaptability. We believe that this innovative model will significantly propel the development of smart cities and advance target detection technology.

Research on the Application of Geographic Information Systems in the Construction of Smart Cities

With the continuous deepening of globalization and informatization, the construction of smart cities is gradually becoming a core strategy in the process of urban modernization. In this strategy, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a crucial technical support role. This article adopts a case study method, taking the construction of a smart city in Nanjing as the specific research object, and deeply explores the practical application of GIS in key fields such as urban planning, environmental protection, and traffic management. Through comprehensive analysis of these examples, this article systematically summarizes the significant achievements of GIS technology in improving urban management efficiency, optimizing decision support systems, enhancing public service levels, and promoting sustainable urban development. The research results indicate that GIS technology provides solid data support and decision-making support for the core areas of cities through precise integration and analysis of geographic information. GIS technology not only optimizes the layout of urban infrastructure, but also significantly enhances the city's response to emergency events through real-time monitoring and dynamic simulation, while promoting efficient allocation and utilization of urban resources. The research conclusion points out that, GIS technology is the cornerstone of smart city construction, greatly enhancing the scientific and forward-looking nature of urban management. The effective application of GIS has opened up new avenues for intelligent and refined urban management, significantly improving the quality of life of residents and providing solid technical support for the sustainable development of cities.

Planning and Development of Smart Cities Based on the Concept of Sustainable Development

Based on the idea of sustainable development, this paper explores the planning and development of smart cities. Cities face many issues as global urbanization picks up speed, including environmental pollution, resource depletion, traffic congestion, and social inequality. To address these challenges, the notion of sustainable development has become a guiding principle for many city policymakers, aiming to meet contemporary needs while safeguarding future development. Smart cities utilize advanced information and communication technology to enhance urban operational efficiency, improve resource management, and enhance residents' quality of life, thereby providing a more sustainable development model for cities. This paper focuses on the key areas of smart city planning, including energy utilization and environmental protection, smart transportation and urban mobility, smart city planning and land use, social equity, and community engagement. Using Shenzhen as a case study, the practical application of the notion of sustainable development in smart city construction is elucidated, providing valuable insights and practical references for future smart cities.

Construction and Development of Smart Cities -- Taking Chengdu as an Example

As an important way to promote urban economic and cultural development, the smart city is an inevitable choice for future urban development. This paper first expounds on the concept and proposal of a smart city, discusses the background of the development of smart cities in China, and then introduces the current development of a smart city in Chengdu, a pilot city, and establishes a complete intelligent system to promote the operation of the city and improve people's living efficiency. Then, according to the design concept of green building, the common ground between green building and smart city development is analyzed. Taking epidemic prevention as the entry point, how to develop and play its role is discussed. The problems such as information "isolated island" and incomplete technology deployment are analyzed. Finally, some suggestions are put forward for related issues, and a bright prospect is given for the future blossoming and unlimited potential of smart cities.

Quality of life in the urban context, within the paradigm of digital human capital

Human capital is crucial in the development of smart cities and directly impacts quality of life. Smart cities are not made only through their infrastructures and applied technologies but also by their residents' digital capabilities. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between citizens' digital capabilities and their perception of quality of life. Specifically, we use data from a survey in Spain in 2023 from citizens residing in cities with populations exceeding 100,000 with responses from 587 individuals.The results reveal a significant correlation between the level of digital skills and various factors determining quality of life. Residents in densely populated urban areas show higher levels of social happiness when they possess greater digital capabilities. Additionally, one of the questions captured the citizens' digital capabilities, enabling the identification of three clusters. These clusters exhibit significant differences in access to essential services, job opportunities, and levels of social interaction. Residents with more advanced digital skills benefit from greater availability of services and higher-paying jobs, although they experience lower levels of social interaction. Therefore, we demonstrate the fundamental importance of human capital and digital ability as critical components in the construction of smart cities and the improvement of social happiness.

Research on the Impact Mechanism of Smart City Construction on Economic Growth—An Analysis Based on the Schumpeterian Innovation Theory Framework

Smart city construction aims to promote the digital transformation of cities, support the modernization of urban governance, and stimulate urban innovation and development. In this paper, we analyze the role of smart city construction on economic growth and the impact mechanism driving this. In terms of theoretical analysis, we discuss the role of smart city construction in economic growth based on Schumpeterian innovation theory. In terms of empirical analysis, we evaluate the impact of smart city construction on economic growth with panel data of Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2019, using time-varying difference-in-differences models and the event study method. The findings of the research indicate that the construction of smart cities has a positive effect on regional economic growth and the results can be confirmed through a series of robustness tests. Smart city construction generates mediating effects by enhancing urban innovation capability and entrepreneurship, thereby promoting urban economic growth. Furthermore, the impact of smart city construction on economic growth exhibits heterogeneous effects due to variations in the degree of marketization. In regions with a higher level of marketization, the promotional effect of smart city construction on economic growth is stronger. Consequently, it is imperative to intensify the implementation of smart city construction and persistently pursue market-oriented reforms.

Has the smart city construction reduced energy consumption? Evidence from China

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of smart city construction (SCC) on urban energy consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe focus is on a panel of 285 prefecture level cities in China from 2010 to 2021. The empirical evidence is based on the difference-in-difference (DID) method. We uses per capita coal consumption as a proxy variable to measure urban energy consumption energy consumption. We set the SCC as a policy dummy variable, with pilot cities set to 1 and non-pilot cities set to 0. We also selected a series of control variables that affect urban energy consumption, such as urbanization rate, labor force, road density, number of college students per 10000 people, regional economic development level and so on.Findings(1) SCC significantly reduces urban energy consumption, and the conclusion still holds after conducting robustness testing; (2) SCC reduces urban energy consumption is mainly effective in those cities with larger scale, stronger human capital, larger financial services and better information infrastructure construction; (3) The technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading are the main mechanisms for the SSC policy to reduce urban energy consumption.Originality/valueThe results in this study provide evidence for achieving an environmentally friendly society.

Does city smartness improve equality? Research on the impact of smart city construction on income inequality

AbstractSmart city construction is an essential practice in the effort to promote the digital transformation of society as a whole. Taking China's ‘National Smart City’ pilot project as a quasi‐natural experiment, this paper studies the income distribution effect of smart city construction by building a differences‐in‐differences model and using the data of China's prefecture‐level cities from 2008 to 2018. The results show that implementing China's ‘National Smart City’ pilot project has significantly reduced regional income inequality. However, this effect has heterogeneity. In regions with a higher level of economic development, human capital accumulation and R&D investment, the impact of smart city construction on reducing income inequality is stronger. In areas with a higher level of human capital accumulation, smart city construction can reduce income inequality. However, this effect is insignificant in areas with a lower level of human capital accumulation. Mechanisms tests show that smart city construction can reduce regional income inequality by creating more jobs, narrowing the digital divide and improving public service delivery. As stated above, this paper implies that accelerating the construction of smart cities and improving the digital and intelligence levels of the wider society is of great significance to reducing income inequality and building a more reasonable income distribution structure.

Triboelectric based smart ceramic tiles

With the exponential development of the Internet of Things (IoTs), big data, and artificial intelligence (AI), smart home technologies have become crucial to people's lives and the construction of smart cities, driving an increasing demand for distributed sensors. In this work, we have for the first time successfully fabricated smart ceramic tiles (SCTs) that integrate electrodes with ceramic tiles using a layer-by-layer temperature gradient sintering method. These SCTs, which are based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology, not only demonstrate high sensitivity and good stability, but also offer the potential for high concealment by adjusting glaze composition and color. Under various motion triggers, the SCTs produced high-discrimination electrical output signals, which proves their potential in behavior recognition. Extreme environmental tests further confirmed the SCTs' superior responsiveness. A wireless security monitoring system for SCT sensing, which was developed using IoT chips, enables remote monitoring via mobile devices. This study not only demonstrates the commercial feasibility of SCTs but also highlights their immense potential for imperceptible monitoring within the smart home domain.

Edge-Guided Hierarchical Network for Building Change Detection in Remote Sensing Images

Building change detection monitors building changes by comparing and analyzing multi-temporal images acquired from the same area and plays an important role in land resource planning, smart city construction and natural disaster assessment. Different from change detection in conventional scenes, buildings in the building change detection task usually appear in a densely distributed state, which is easy to be occluded; at the same time, building change detection is easily interfered with by shadows generated by light and similar-colored features around the buildings, which makes the edges of the changed region challenging to be distinguished. Aiming at the above problems, this paper utilizes edge information to guide the neural network to learn edge features related to changes and suppress edge features unrelated to changes, so as to accurately extract building change information. First, an edge-extracted module is designed, which combines deep and shallow features to supplement the lack of feature information at different resolutions and to extract the edge structure of the changed features; second, an edge-guided module is designed to fuse the edge features with different levels of features and to guide the neural network to focus on the confusing building edge regions by increasing the edge weights to improve the network’s ability to detect the edges that have changed. The proposed building change detection algorithm has been validated on two publicly available data (WHU and LEVIR-CD building change detection datasets). The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves 91.14% and 89.76% in F1 scores, respectively, demonstrating superior performance compared to some recent learning change detection methods.

Research on data security governance of smart city construction

In the post-epidemic era, the construction of smart cities has become an important link in the economic development of various countries. To improve the degree of urban smart, accelerate the construction of urban digital information infrastructure, and promote the safe sharing of network data is the meaning of smart city construction. At present, China’s smart city construction has made breakthrough progress, but the data flow still faces problems such as leakage, abuse and sharing obstruction. Therefore, we can learn from the mature experience adopted by Europe and the United States in the construction of smart cities, set up third-party institutions to actively promote data sharing, build high-value data sets open to the public, and adhere to the first trial reform. The introduction of regulatory sandbox and common data space mechanism to improve the level of smart city construction and export China’s template for smart city construction.

Spatial Development and Coupling Coordination of Society–Physics–Informational Smart Cities: A Case Study on Thirty Capitals in China

The smart city concept has taken center stage as a paradigm shift in urban governance, promising innovation, sustainability, and strategic upgrades, and drawing the attention of researchers globally. However, existing frameworks for assessing smart cities remain incomplete and simplistic. This paper aims to address the following question: what is the process and current situation of 30 capitals in China after the implementation of smart city construction, especially from the new perspective of social, physical, and informational space development? To this end, we focus on 30 national and provincial capitals in China, proposing a novel, tri-dimensional SPI model—Social, Physical, and Information space—for smart city spatial development assessment. Employing a robust methodological approach, including entropy weighting, coupled coordination degree models, and the Dagum Gini coefficient, we conduct a spatial development and coordination analysis of these cities from 2011 to 2021. In addition, we utilize BP neural networks to evaluate the contribution of each indicator to the spatial coupled coordination. Our findings indicate a steady increase in the spatial coupled coordination development level of smart capitals in China, alongside a narrowing disparity in development speeds across regions, resulting in a staggered spatial distribution pattern. Specifically, the Information space subsystem represents the most influential driver of coupled coordination. The significance of this research lies in its unique tri-dimensional spatial perspective, offering valuable insights into the spatial development and coordination discrepancies in the smart city concept. These insights offer evidence-based support for regional planning and optimization strategies in China.