Open Government Data (OGD) as a catalyst for smart city development: Empirical evidence from Chinese cities

While existing smart city models recognize the importance of data, they often overlook the specific role of Open Government Data (OGD) for urban development. This study addresses this gap by adapting the Smart City Model to explicitly include OGD as a critical component. Drawing on panel data from the 2022–2024 Chinese Cities Digitalization Evolution Index, we employ Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to empirically examine the direct and indirect effects of OGD, digital infrastructure, and digital economy on smart city development. Our analysis identifies four key pathways, revealing that while digital infrastructure positively influences smart city development directly, the indirect pathways incorporating OGD demonstrate stronger effects. OGD plays a pivotal role by significantly enhancing the digital economy and digital infrastructure, as well as directly contributing to smart city development. This research contributes to the smart city literature by moving beyond discussions of individual components to empirically test the relationships between these elements. By positioning OGD as a catalyst, we provide a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms through which data-driven initiatives empower smart city development. Our findings offer valuable insights into the multifaceted ways OGD serves as a driving force for urban innovation, challenging the traditional view of government data as a passive resource. This study highlights the importance of OGD as a strategic asset for policymakers seeking to harness the potential of data-driven urban governance. We conclude with policy recommendations for leveraging OGD to support sustainable and efficient smart city development.