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Can “more talk than deeds” digital innovation strategies gain preferential access to government resources?

Author

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  • Cao, Linjun
  • Liu, Ke
  • Wu, Lidong

Abstract

Despite government funding becoming an important external force in supporting firms’ digital innovation, limited research has examined whether firms’ information disclosure strategies affect government funding target selection. This study explores the relationship between a firm’s “more talk than deeds” digital innovation strategy and government digital subsidy acquisition. Findings indicate that firms’ “more talk than deeds” digital innovation strategy helps them obtain government digital subsidies in the short term, and this effect is more pronounced when the firm’s reputation is high and the regional institutional environment is poor.

Suggested Citation

  • Cao, Linjun & Liu, Ke & Wu, Lidong, 2025. "Can “more talk than deeds” digital innovation strategies gain preferential access to government resources?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:85:y:2025:i:pb:s1544612325012693
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.108011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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