Research on Antecedent Configuration of Smart City Governance Path: Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy Sets Based on 30 Cities in China

Abstract

This study focuses on 30 typical cases of smart cities in China, constructing an analytical framework that includes seven explanatory factors: information infrastructure, administrative pressure, government attention, public service level, financial support, technical talent, and government-enterprise cooperation. Utilizing the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method, the study conducts configuration analysis of the influencing factors for the efficient construction of smart cities. The research reveals that government-enterprise cooperation and the public service level are crucial factors for achieving high construction efficiency in smart cities. These are collectively categorized into three construction models: "service innovation type driven by pressure," "multi-factor-induced type driven by technology," and "proactive follow-up type under fiscal incentives." The results of the study provide reference points for the construction of smart cities in different regions of China. Urban governments should undertake strategic and combinational construction actions based on their unique characteristics and resource endowments.