Smart cities driven by artificial intelligence: Comparing the strategic positioning and market competitiveness of China and the USA

Aim . The work aimed to compare systematically the differences in the strategic positioning of China and the USA in the development of smart cities driven by artificial intelligence (AI), and to study their impact on global market competitiveness. Objectives . The work seeks to compare and analyze the differences in the strategic positioning of China and the USA in promoting the development of AI-driven smart cities, as well as assess how these strategic differences shape the competitive landscape in the global smart city market. Methods . The author used a mixed research method, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, comparative analysis, calculations of indicators, statistical data induction, and literature analysis to compare systematically the strategic positioning and market competitiveness of China and the USA in the field of AI-driven smart cities. Results . China employs a government-led top-down model, promoting pilot projects and infrastructure construction through national policy, emphasizing rapid technology implementation and the integration of all stages of the production chain. The United States of America is market-oriented, relying on the innovative capabilities of Silicon Valley technology companies and a public-private partnership model, focusing on technological originality and commercial applications. Conclusions . The study results revealed that in the future, China, owing to its government-led, large-scale advantages, will be able to take a leading position in smart city infrastructure construction and advancement in emerging markets. While the USA, relying on a market-oriented innovation ecosystem and accumulated core technologies, will continue to dominate the high-tech market, maintaining superiority in fundamental AI research and high-value-added fields.