Abstract:

[Purpose/Significance] Advancements in digital and intelligent technologies, coupled with the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, have made public digital cultural services in rural areas have become vital means of promoting cultural equity and bridging the urban-rural digital divide. Previous research has largely focused on other aspects, resulting in a fragmented body of work that pays little attention to the maturity level of rural public digital cultural services. Unlike prior studies, this research aims to develop a maturity model for rural public digital cultural services and create an evaluation indicator system based on that model. The innovation of this study lies in three aspects. First, transferring the capability maturity model originally developed in software engineering into this field to explore the maturity of rural public digital cultural services. Second, constructing a multidimensional evaluation framework encompassing institutions, resources, management, services, and ecosystem. Third, applying the model and indicators through empirical research reveals regional differences and common bottlenecks. This study builds on previous research regarding rural public digital cultural services. It provides a replicable assessment framework for practical applications and future studies, and offers local cultural departments a practical tool for self-diagnosis and targeted improvement. [Method/Process] This study employs a mixed-methods approach combining theoretical modeling, expert consultation, and empirical validation. In the first phase, drawing on the capability maturity model and public service theory, we constructed a maturity model and identified key process areas and critical practices at each level. In the second phase, core elements were extracted from national policies, evaluation studies, and practical research, categorized, and mapped onto the maturity framework to form an initial set of evaluation indicators. Using the Delphi method, we collected expert opinions via questionnaires to finalize the evaluation indicators for rural public digital cultural services. Then, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, we analyzed the weights of each indicator and established specific evaluation methods. In the third phase, we conducted empirical validation in two representative cities - one coastal and developed (City A) and one inland and underdeveloped (City B) - in Shandong Province, inviting 20 professionals to rate the maturity levels across dimensions. [Results/Conclusions] The rural public digital cultural service maturity model consists of five levels, each containing key process areas and critical practices. Based on this framework, the evaluation indicator system comprises five dimensions, eight primary indicators, and 25 secondary indicators. Empirical validation has demonstrated its strong applicability, providing a practical tool for assessing the maturity of rural public digital cultural services. The study offers significant value and contribution in the following aspects. The model and evaluation indicators can serve as self-diagnostic tools for relevant departments to implement targeted improvements, while also supplying necessary data for management. It expands the application scope of maturity models and enables more comprehensive evaluations of rural public digital cultural services through its indicator system. The empirical research further provides reference for comparative analysis and guidance across different regions. However, the study faces limitations such as relatively high subjectivity in methodology and limited practical scope. Future research could incorporate more objective data sources and extend the application of the maturity model and evaluation indicators to broader regional contexts, including provincial or national levels.

Key words: digital intelligence technology, rural public digital cultural services, maturity model, evaluation indicators