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The impact of digital government policy on entrepreneurial activity in China

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  • Gan, Tian
  • Zhang, Mingxin
  • Zhang, Zhiqiang

Abstract

Digitalization of government is a crucial strategy for enhancing national competitiveness and improving public services in numerous countries. This study introduced a quasi-natural experiment in China to evaluate the impact of a country’s digital government policy on entrepreneurship. Using city-level data and regression analysis, we find that implementing the policy increases the number of newly registered firms by 0.0028 per 10,000 working-age labours. The study also examines potential mechanisms for this effect and finds evidence that the policy improves government efficiency, reduces risk-seeking behaviours of local government, and promotes access to financial resources. This study’s findings contribute to research on digital government initiatives in developing countries and can inform future policy decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gan, Tian & Zhang, Mingxin & Zhang, Zhiqiang, 2023. "The impact of digital government policy on entrepreneurial activity in China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 479-496.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:79:y:2023:i:c:p:479-496
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2023.06.029
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    Cited by:

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    2. Shan, Haipeng & Wong, Wing-Keung & Hu, Haichuan & Shraah, Ata Al & Alromaihi, Abdullah & The Cong, Phan & Thi Minh Uyen, Pham, 2024. "Fintech innovation for sustainable environment: Understanding the role of natural resources and human capital in BRICS using MMQR," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
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    4. Geng, Yini & Zheng, Zhiqiang & Ma, Yongjian, 2023. "Digitization, perception of policy uncertainty, and corporate green innovation: A study from China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 544-557.
    5. Lai, Aolin & Li, Zhenran & Hu, Xiurong & Wang, Qunwei, 2024. "Does digital economy improve city-level eco-efficiency in China?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 1198-1213.
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    7. Xu, Jingru & Yang, Baochen & Yuan, Chunlai, 2024. "Enhancing natural resource efficiency through digital government: Evidence from the utilization of energy, water, and land resources," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    8. Gan, Tian & Jiang, Yan & Wu, Xi & Zhang, Mingxin, 2024. "Digital government and regional innovation," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital government; Entrepreneurship; Government efficiency;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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