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Does public data openness facilitate corporate ESG performance? Evidence from China

Author

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  • Wang, Hongyan
  • Huang, Guodong
  • Wang, Hui

Abstract

Public data openness (PDO) facilitates the release of the value of data as an important channel for improving corporate ESG performance. This study uses data from Chinese listed companies from 2009 to 2023 to examine the impact of PDO on corporate ESG. The results show that PDO enhances ESG by fostering green innovation, improving social security compliance, and strengthening internal controls. The effect is more pronounced in firms with lower digitization, in heavily polluting industries, without political ties, and in regions with lower marketization. Additionally, when open data covers environmental resources, social welfare, government regulation, and features higher accessibility as well as larger disclosure volumes, its effect becomes stronger. Generalized random forest estimates suggest substantial scope for improving the current PDO. This study provides theoretical insights and policy implications for optimizing the design of PDO systems and promoting sustainable business development.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Hongyan & Huang, Guodong & Wang, Hui, 2026. "Does public data openness facilitate corporate ESG performance? Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:159:y:2026:i:c:s0264999326000921
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2026.107563
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • G39 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Other
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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