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Digital finance, financial regulation and green innovation in agricultural enterprises

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  • Xuan, Liu
  • Xuexi, Huo

Abstract

In the context of rural revitalization, this paper investigates the impact of digital finance on green innovation in agricultural enterprises. Based on panel data from Chinese listed agricultural firms (2011–2023), the study empirically examines direct effects, mechanisms, and moderators. The results demonstrate that digital finance significantly enhances green innovation performance. Mechanism analysis reveals three key pathways: increasing R&D intensity, improving environmental information disclosure, and alleviating financing constraints. Conversely, financial regulation exerts a negative moderating effect, weakening the positive impact of digital finance in highly regulated regions. Heterogeneity tests indicate that large-scale and eastern enterprises benefit more prominently from digital financial development. These findings underscore the pivotal role of digital finance in fostering sustainable technological transformation and provide insights for integrating financial digitalization with ecological modernization.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuan, Liu & Xuexi, Huo, 2026. "Digital finance, financial regulation and green innovation in agricultural enterprises," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:92:y:2026:i:c:s1544612326000930
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2026.109562
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    References listed on IDEAS

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