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Are firms with state ownership greener? An institutional complexity view

Author

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  • Xin Pan
  • Xuanjin Chen
  • Paresha Sinha
  • Niannian Dong

Abstract

This study investigates the role of state ownership in green innovation from the institutional complexity viewpoint. We posit that state ownership can be characterised by two seemingly competing logics: institutional logic, which emphasises that firms with state ownership can acquire resources to promote innovation; and efficiency logic, which states that firms with state ownership have low resource utilisation effectiveness. On the basis of the integration of both views, we suggest a U‐shaped curvilinear relationship between state ownership and green innovation. Data from Chinese listed firms from 2003 to 2015 confirm our hypothesis. Moreover, we also find two macro‐level contingencies that moderate this relationship: regional innovation readiness and industrial competition. The U‐shaped relationship between state ownership and green innovation is more pronounced when regional innovation readiness and industrial competition are higher. This study advances previous research on environmental innovation by arguing that state ownership is characterised by institutional complexity rather than being a monolithic construct.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Pan & Xuanjin Chen & Paresha Sinha & Niannian Dong, 2020. "Are firms with state ownership greener? An institutional complexity view," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(1), pages 197-211, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:29:y:2020:i:1:p:197-211
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2358
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