Recently, the China Academy of Industrial Internet unveiled its latest research breakthrough in the realm of smart economy, introducing the 'Framework for Constructing a Maturity Evaluation System for Smart Economy Characteristics'. This study offers a precise definition and delineates the scope of smart economy, emphasizing its propulsion by digital intelligence technologies—namely, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and edge computing—with data serving as a pivotal production element. It leverages computing power and algorithms to enhance resource allocation efficiency, thereby propelling intelligent transformation throughout the economic and social landscapes.

The research delineates four fundamental characteristics of smart economy: a growth trajectory propelled by a closed-loop system of three core elements; a production paradigm characterized by human-machine collaboration; industrial value integration spanning the entire supply chain; and a diverse, co-governed ecological foundation. Furthermore, it establishes a comprehensive five-tier maturity evaluation framework that encompasses the entire lifecycle of smart economy development. This framework is structured around five key dimensions: foundational infrastructure, core industries, integrated applications, model innovation, and governance mechanisms. Comprising 13 secondary components and over 40 quantifiable metrics, the system furnishes a scientific, quantitative assessment tool and delineates a phased development pathway for fostering high-quality growth in the smart economy sector.