While China’s build‐out of “smart cities” is significantly smaller than the hype might suggest, it still represents a $153 billion opportunity across 54 projects, mostly in the southern and eastern provinces. This week’s graphic appeared in a report (client registration required) published in March by Lux Research’s China Innovation Intelligence Service. It illustrates analysis revealing that over half – 31 – of China’s smart city projects are slated to unfold in cities that in 2010 yielded a minimum GDP of USD 100 billion (Tier A) and USD 60 billion (Tier B).
In terms of the speed at which these projects are unfolding, 15 are already under construction. Another 21 were announced with details such as investment amount, smart city applications involved, project deadline, and even participating suppliers. Fifteen additional smart city projects rated an official announcement, but few details to date. Finally, three Tier C cities – with a minimum 2010 GDP of USD 15 billion – have expressed an intention to launch projects, but haven’t formally announced them yet.