Evaluation of the Development of Intelligent-Construction Pilot Cities in China Based on the Entropy Method and TOPSIS

In order to encourage digital transformation in the traditional construction industry, the Chinese government has promoted 24 pilot cities to develop intelligent construction. The practices of intelligent construction are disparate in all 24 pilot cities. Given this context, it is important to effectively and comprehensively evaluate the level of intelligent construction in these pilot cities. This study thus evaluates the development of intelligent construction in different pilot cities. By conducting an in-depth analysis of the existing literature and policies, an evaluation system consisting of five dimensions and a total of 30 indicators is established. The entropy method and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are used to evaluate the development of intelligent construction in 23 pilot cities. The research findings indicate that the development of intelligent construction in different pilot cities is uneven, with clear gaps between first-tier cities and Western cities. The development of industries, the cultivation of talent, and economic growth are relatively satisfactory, while technological innovation and digital infrastructure are insufficient. Several suggestions are proposed to promote the development of intelligent construction, including expediting the construction of intelligent infrastructure, enhancing digital transformation, promoting technological innovation, and implementing talent cultivation strategies.