The opposing roles of the central governments of China and Russia in the projects of "smart cities" continue to arouse interest in the academic world. This article compares and contrasts the roles that the central governments of China and Russia play in stimulating the development of smart cities. The influence of the concept of a smart city is quite wide. At the federal level, the concept allows the formation of a digital society, as well as a digital economy, which are priority areas for the country's development in order to increase its economic indicators, in particular GDP. At the regional level, the concept allows for the comprehensive development of cities with the aim of ensuring a high standard of living in society as well as improving the efficiency of regional and municipal governance. Using a wide range of data, the paper offers an analysis of the practical differences between the two states. In addition, the document will consider proposals for a "smart city" put forward by the governments of the two countries, and draw conclusions about the significance of these differences in the success and functioning of "smart cities". © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences.