Evaluation of new smart cities and its influencing factors in the era of mobile internet: empirical evidence from China

Abstract Currently, cities are developing towards sustainability, low carbon emissions, and greenness. The construction of smart cities is an important means of promoting sustainable urban development. The rapid development of mobile internet plays an important role in improving the development of new smart cities. The major research aim of this study is to investigate the influencing factors and governance policies of new smart cities in the era of mobile internet. The study’s research questions include the following: First, what are the influencing factors for the construction of new smart cities in the era of mobile internet? The proposed model was evaluated using structural equation modeling, and the empirical findings supported all the hypotheses. Results revealed that the development of new smart cities in the mobile internet era is affected by multiple factors, including governance systems, infrastructure, technology support, economic elements, and data application. Data application had the most significant impact, followed by technology support, infrastructure, governance system, and economic elements. Secondly, what is the development level of new smart cities in developing countries like China? The study analyzed the overall level over the past decade using statistical data and conducted a regional comparison of China’s new smart cities. The results showed that China has significantly developed new smart cities over the past decade. Thirdly, how can smart cities achieve better development in the era of mobile internet? This study proposed a series of measures. It is necessary to combine top-level design with participatory governance, adopt mobile internet to update urban infrastructure, rationally use technology support, innovate business models, and increase data openness and sharing. This study provides significant theoretical and practical implications for improving the development of new smart cities and eco-friendly urban governance. The significance of this research transcends China’s boundaries, offering valuable insights for regions around the world facing comparable challenges in urbanization and sustainability.