Smart Urbanism Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)‐Megaprojects: The Case of China's Healthcare Services

Zongtian Guo and Federico Cugurullo

Public Administration & Development, 2025, vol. 45, issue 3, 296-312

Abstract: Urban Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly being piloted in cities worldwide, constituting a critical element in the evolution of contemporary and future smart cities. Although there is a growing body of research on the integration of AI into healthcare and smart city systems, the specific intersection of urban AI and healthcare in the context of state‐led megaprojects remains insufficiently examined, particularly through empirical case studies grounded in local socio‐political dynamics. This paper investigates how urban AI impacts healthcare services in a mega‐hospital, addressing this significant gap in the literature. The study's contribution is threefold. First, it synthesizes the developmental trajectory of smart healthcare in China, highlighting the integration of AI technologies into the healthcare sector. Second, through an in‐depth case study of the Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, it examines three distinct facets of smart applications within the hospital—focusing on patients, medical staff, and hospital administration—to elucidate the characteristics and dynamics of AI megaprojects in healthcare. Third, it delves into the main challenges and advantages of these AI‐driven megaprojects in healthcare management and administration, and proposes policy recommendations based on the case study and identified issues and benefits. The findings reveal that while the integration of AI enhances operational efficiency and patient care outcomes, it also introduces challenges related to data privacy, ethical considerations, and infrastructural demands. The study underscores the necessity for integrated strategies that balance technological advancement with public welfare and urban sustainability. By illuminating the complex interplay between technological innovation, healthcare administration, and urban governance, this paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and healthcare administrators aiming to foster sustainable smart city development.

Date: 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1002/pad.2111

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:padxxx:v:45:y:2025:i:3:p:296-312

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