Influencing factors and optimization pathways for the quality of public cultural provision facility based on fuzzy-set qualitative analysis

Purpose This study aims to identify optimization pathways for the quality of public cultural facility provision. It analyzes technological, organizational and environmental factors, together with their configurations, by using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The findings provide practical references for the development and management of public cultural facilities. Design/methodology/approach Given the multidimensional and fuzzy nature of the factors affecting the quality of public cultural facility provision, this study adopts an fsQCA approach. The condition and outcome variables were identified through a literature review and expert interviews. Operational data were then collected from 30 public cultural facilities in Tianjin through oral communication with facility practitioners. Findings The analysis identifies five configuration pathways, grouped into four pathway types, for high-quality public cultural facility provision: (1) technology-driven; (2) technology-environment driven, characterized by investment in digital infrastructure and diversified services; (3) technology-organization driven, emphasizing a strong digital foundation and government support; and (4) technology-organization-environment driven, reflecting more balanced development. These pathways indicate that high-quality public cultural facility provision does not depend on a single condition, but on the synergistic effects of multiple factors. In addition, a weak digital foundation is identified as a core condition associated with low-quality provision. Originality/value This study clarifies its theoretical contribution by extending the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework to the context of public cultural facility provision under digital governance. It shows that technological, organizational and environmental conditions do not operate independently, but combine into multiple equifinal pathways that support high-quality provision. The findings enrich public cultural governance research by explaining how digital capacity, government support, operational efficiency and industrial integration jointly shape provision quality.