Shi, Q; Yu, J; Zhang, L; Wang, J and Cheng, G (2026) Quantitative evaluation of smart construction pilot cities policies in China based on the pmc-index model. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(1), pp. 690-712. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The construction industry has experienced an irreversible digital transformation to smart construction. Many countries have published supporting policies to encourage the development of smart construction. However, there is no universally valid approach. This paper thus aims to evaluate smart construction policies issued by 24 pilot cities in China and identify applicable policy tools and their impact. Design/methodology/approach – This paper collected 33 governmental documents on smart construction through the official websites in China. Different policy tools were classified into supply-side, demand-side and environment-side categories. The supporting policies of smart construction development in pilot cities were quantitatively evaluated by using a policy modeling consistency index (PMC-index) model. Findings – Supply-type and environment-type policy instruments were used more frequently than demand-type policies in 24 pilot cities. Most of the 24 pilot cities had an evaluation of PMC-index over 8, realizing the consistency of smart construction policies. Eight pilot cities had an evaluation of PMC-index of 6–7.99, realizing acceptable consistency. Only Foshan City has an evaluation of PMC-index below 4, which may reflect a poor consistency of policy implementation. The paper proposes consistencies of smart construction policies of 24 pilot cities and valid policy instruments, including the presale of commercial residential buildings, additional bonus points in the tendering process and cooperating with multiple departments when promoting smart construction. Originality/value – This paper contributes to expanding policy evaluation studies in the smart construction field and provides concrete suggestions for policymakers to formulate more effective and specific policies and strategies for the development of smart construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | pilot cities; pmc-index model; policy evaluation; smart construction |
| Index terms: | transformation, tendering process, residential building, construction development, policy tools, construction industry, modelling, strategy, policy evaluation, policy instrument, China, documents, methodology, policy implementation |
| Subjects: | construction type, policy studies, analytical methods, tendering, research methods, Geography, production management, business, management, professional development, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Construction Technology, Governance, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Procurement, Project Management, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here