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Open government data and corporate technology diversification

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  • Wu, Meiting
  • Li, Pengcheng

Abstract

This study analyzes data from A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2000 to 2022. Using the launch of government open data platforms as a quasi-natural experiment, it investigates how public data openness affects corporate technology diversification and its underlying mechanisms. The results show that the introduction of public data platforms reduces firms’ technology diversification. This effect is largely driven by increased market competition and diminished herd behavior. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that this negative impact is more pronounced in economically developed regions, state-owned enterprises, and high-tech industries. The study offers a novel perspective on how government data platforms influence corporate technology strategies and highlights the mechanisms by which public data openness fosters technological concentration and reshapes diversification.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Meiting & Li, Pengcheng, 2025. "Open government data and corporate technology diversification," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:80:y:2025:i:c:s1544612325006245
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.107365
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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