Examining smart city implementation models in Hong Kong, Macao, and Shenzhen: an analytical review

Purpose – This study aims to review the variety of smart city development projects in Guangdong-Hong Kong, Macao, and Shenzhen of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) of China, based on social, economic, and political factors. Design/methodology/approach – A comparative and actor-focused political-economic method is applied to explore project-level smart city implementation models (SCIMs). A framework is first constructed to assess the state-market-community relationships of smart city projects. Subsequently, the array of smart city projects is examined, along with the explanations of how social, economic, and political factors influence these cities against the backdrop of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. Findings – The findings show four varieties of SCIMs that highlighted proactive government support for smart city development, with place-specific strategies and pathways. With the state-market-community background and engagement of mega-technology firms, a variety of smart cities were found to exist and thrive. Originality/value – This study reviews the political-economic framework of smart cities under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. Different SCIMs are examined and investigated, and the locally adopted pathway for smart city development are identified.