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The Unintended Effect of the Regularized Government Accounting Supervision on Corporate Innovation

Author

Listed:
  • Tianquan Jin
  • Xiaoming Wei
  • Qi He
  • Zhenkun Zhang

Abstract

Strengthening government accounting supervision is widely viewed as essential to modern governance and administrative capacity. Yet such interventions can entail real economic tradeoffs. Utilizing China's 2020 Regularized Government Accounting Supervision (RGAS) pilot policy as a quasi‐natural experiment, this study examines its impact on corporate innovation. Our findings indicate that firms in pilot regions experienced a significant decline in patent output compared to those in non‐pilot regions, with more pronounced effects among growth‐stage firms and those in non‐high‐tech industries. Mechanism analyses reveal that RGAS suppresses innovation primarily by reducing R&D investment and diminishing managerial optimism. Additional evidence suggests that firms’ adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and higher analyst coverage can mitigate these adverse effects. These results highlight a potential trade‐off between regulatory oversight and innovative activities. The findings not only provide a significant addition to existing financial supervision theories in advanced economies, but also offer general insights for policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Tianquan Jin & Xiaoming Wei & Qi He & Zhenkun Zhang, 2025. "The Unintended Effect of the Regularized Government Accounting Supervision on Corporate Innovation," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 35(4), pages 342-356, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausact:v:35:y:2025:i:4:p:342-356
    DOI: 10.1111/auar.70012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yaowen Shan & Sue Wright, 2025. "International Experiences With Good Governance," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 35(4), pages 307-308, December.

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