NINGBO, China — The 16th Smart City and Intelligent Economy Expo closed on Sunday with the release of a national framework governing artificial intelligence deployment in municipal data systems. More than 380 enterprises participated in the four-day event.

The framework sets standards for data security, algorithmic transparency and interoperability across city administrations. Technology firms and local government representatives signed cooperation agreements during the closing session.

The event drew major domestic players in urban computing, cloud infrastructure and service robotics. Exhibitors demonstrated AI systems for traffic management, public utilities and administrative services, reflecting Beijing's push to integrate generative AI into public-sector operations.

The standard comes as Chinese municipalities expand their reliance on large-scale data platforms. The global big data security market is projected to reach $115 billion by 2035, according to SNS Insider. Industry representatives have said unified governance is needed to prevent fragmentation across provincial systems.

"Smart city development must be built on trustworthy and secure data foundations," the expo organising committee said at the closing ceremony. The framework will guide procurement decisions for participating cities in the coming year.