This paper explores the relationship between Smart City Construction (SCC) and Urban Environmental Governance Efficiency (EGE) in the context of China's rapid urbanization. By analysing data from 193 Chinese prefecture-level cities over the period 2007 to 2018, and focusing on the moderating roles of public education services and industrial structure rationalization, this study employs a multi-period Difference in Differences model to reveal that: (1) SCC significantly improves the efficiency of governments urban EGE; (2) Both educational public services and the advancement of industrial structure show a negative moderate effect on EGE, while rationalization of industrial structures has positive moderate effect; (3) the impact of SCC initiatives on EGE varies due to geographic location, technological foundations, and diverse city characteristics. The paper highlights how integrating technology in urban management, exemplified by SCC, serves as a strategic approach to enhancing environmental governance. By outlining the interactive relationship between SCC and EGE, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming for a balanced approach between technological advancement and sustainable environmental governance. Moreover, the analysis offers a methodically robust framework for evaluating the strategic impact of technological innovations on urban environmental governance, contributing to the broader discourse on technology-driven urban sustainability strategies.
Ze Wang (Tue,) studied this question.