Smart city construction and urban livability: evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China

Ke-Liang Wang (), Yuan-Jie Qiao, Ru-Yu Xu, Yun-He Cheng and Zhuang Miao
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Ke-Liang Wang: Ocean University of China
Yuan-Jie Qiao: Ocean University of China
Ru-Yu Xu: Ocean University of China
Yun-He Cheng: Anhui University of Science and Technology
Zhuang Miao: Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract As global urbanization speeds up, smart city construction has become crucial for improving urban management and elevating residents’ life quality. Its impact on urban livability is now a key issue in urban planning and public policy. This study treats smart city policy (SCP) implementation as a quasi-natural experiment, using panel data from 284 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2019. A time-varying DID model is used to quantify SCP’s effect on urban livability and to examine their transmission mechanisms. The findings show that: (1) SCP significantly improves urban livability, as verified by a series of robustness tests; (2) SCP has a stronger positive impact in larger cities, non-resource-based cities, and cities with higher human capital; (3) Technological innovation and government social governance are key pathways through which SCP enhances urban livability; (4) SCP has positive spillover effects that improve livability in surrounding non-pilot cities. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers on optimizing resource allocation and increasing the effectiveness of smart city initiatives and provide a sound empirical basis for future urban transformation strategies in China.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05096-0

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