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Digital-driven strategy and corporate greenwashing: evidence from the overlapping policies of the broadband China and big data comprehensive pilot zones

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  • Zhao, Ruizeng
  • Jiang, Yan

Abstract

Amid rising emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, corporate greenwashing poses a critical challenge to sustainable transitions. This study employs a quasi-natural experiment, leveraging the Broadband China Strategy and the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone policies, to examine how digital-driven strategies (DDS) mitigate corporate greenwashing. Results reveal that: (1) DDS significantly reduce corporate greenwashing and the inhibitory effect of the dual-pilot policy is obviously stronger than that of the single-pilot policy. (2) Digital finance, particularly its usage depth, and Internet media attention serve as critical intermediary channels. (3) Executive heterogeneity further moderates this relationship: older teams and those with overseas experience strengthen governance efficacy. (4) Heterogeneous effects emerge across firm types and regions. By integrating digital finance, Internet media attention, and executive characteristics into green governance theory, this study advances the literature on data-enabled sustainability and offers policymakers insights for optimizing regional ESG strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Ruizeng & Jiang, Yan, 2026. "Digital-driven strategy and corporate greenwashing: evidence from the overlapping policies of the broadband China and big data comprehensive pilot zones," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:212:y:2026:i:c:s0148296326002584
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2026.116223
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