Smart Heritage Governance in Historic Cities: Integrating AI and Green Technologies for Sustainable Development in Kaifeng

Abstract

This empirical study examines how artificial intelligence-enabled heritage intelligence (AIHI) and green technology integration (GTI) influence sustainable heritage development performance (SHDP) through participatory heritage governance (PHG) in Kaifeng. A quantitative design was adopted using a structured questionnaire. Anonymized data with a sample size of 360 were collected via five-point Likert-scale responses from heritage-governance stakeholders in Kaifeng. Measurement properties and structural relationships were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling with bootstrapping procedures. AIHI and GTI both exert significant positive effects on PHG. PHG significantly improves SHDP and partially mediates the relationship between AIHI and sustainability outcomes. The interaction between PHG and GTI is positive, indicating that green technologies reinforce the link between governance processes and sustainability performance. This study connects smart-city governance literature with emerging research on heritage governance and green transition by identifying PHG as the governance mechanism through which AI and green technologies contribute to sustainable outcomes. The findings provide guidance for coordinating AI applications, green-retrofitting initiatives, and stakeholder participation within a heritage-sensitive governance structure.