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Legal infrastructures for firm innovation: Effects of intellectual property protection in the era of digital economy

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  • Yuan, Bingru
  • Li, Weibo

Abstract

This paper, using a sample of A-share firms in China from 2018 to 2022, demonstrates a positive influence of intellectual property protection on firm innovation and reveals that digital transformation mediates this relationship, amplifying the innovation impetus provided by robust intellectual property regimes. Notably, the positive effect of intellectual property protection on firm innovation is found to be weaker high-tech industries than that in non-high-tech industries. These findings highlight the nuanced role of intellectual property legal frameworks in fostering innovation and the evolving dynamics of digital transformation across different industry contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan, Bingru & Li, Weibo, 2025. "Legal infrastructures for firm innovation: Effects of intellectual property protection in the era of digital economy," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:71:y:2025:i:c:s1544612324013722
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106343
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Liu, Yanmei & Ji, Zhenhua, 2025. "Internal pay gaps, female executives, and corporate organizational resilience," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 85(PE).

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