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Do major customers encourage innovative sustainable development? Empirical evidence from corporate green innovation in China

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  • Chang Huang
  • Xiao Chang
  • Yang Wang
  • Nicolas Li

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of customer concentration on green innovation in Chinese listed firms between 2006 and 2018 through the dynamic panel generalized method of moments regressions. It is reported that major customers positively impact corporate green innovation, indicating that firms have more incentives to engage in innovative green practices to maintain stable relationships with major customers. In addition, the positive relationship between customer concentration and green innovation is more pronounced in state‐owned enterprises, firms located in the provinces with a high level of marketization, and after China's new Environmental Protection Law implementation. Moreover, we observe that the positive impact of customer concentration on corporate green innovation is more significant among industrial firms and firms operating in heavily polluting industries. Furthermore, industrial competition is an essential channel for major customers to affect corporate green innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang Huang & Xiao Chang & Yang Wang & Nicolas Li, 2023. "Do major customers encourage innovative sustainable development? Empirical evidence from corporate green innovation in China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(1), pages 163-184, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:32:y:2023:i:1:p:163-184
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.3123
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    1. Guo, Chenhao & Ke, Yun & Zhang, Jinkang, 2023. "Digital transformation along the supply chain," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    2. Wei, Xiahai & Wei, Qingfang & Yang, Lisha, 2023. "Induced green innovation of suppliers: The “green power” from major customers," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).

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