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Executive team's digital background, financial flexibility and corporate innovation: Evidence from China

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  • Wei, Wei
  • Zhang, Liyan
  • Zhang, Jing

Abstract

Taking China's Shenzhen and Shanghai A-share non-financial listed companies as a research sample from 2018 to 2022, this study explores the relationship between executive team's digital background and corporate innovation. The empirical study shows that executive team's digital background can significantly promote corporate innovation. Financial flexibility plays a mediating role in the relationship between executive team's digital background and corporate innovation. In non-state-owned firms with longer executive tenure, executive team's digital background has a more significant effect on corporate innovation. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for strengthening corporate innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei, Wei & Zhang, Liyan & Zhang, Jing, 2024. "Executive team's digital background, financial flexibility and corporate innovation: Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:68:y:2024:i:c:s1544612324010377
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Zhang, Yudong & Cui, Ruiqing & Wei, Xiaobei & Chen, Tianyong, 2025. "How digital financial inclusion enhances agroecological efficiency: Impact effects and mechanism tests," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    3. Li, Wanhui & Wang, Shumin & Deng, Xinxia, 2024. "The impact of digital finance on business environment: Mediating role of industrial structural upgrading and moderating role of digital infrastructure," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 67(PA).
    4. Song, Yunxing & Lee, Suin & Wang, Bin, 2025. "Digital finance and dividend policy: Evidence from China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    5. Guo, Jing & Yu, Jiaqi & Tian, Ziqing, 2025. "Financial technology, population aging, and corporate innovation," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    6. Bai, Yang & Song, Yu & Cui, Shuangchang, 2024. "Professions need professional talents: Executives with internet experience and digital transformation of manufacturing companies," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).

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