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Green finance and green innovation: Theoretical analysis based on game theory and empirical evidence from China

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  • Bai, Rui
  • Lin, Boqiang

Abstract

By applying evolutionary game analysis and using a panel of Chinese listed companies, this paper concludes that green finance has a significant role in promoting green innovation from both theoretical and empirical aspects. After using alternative measurement and estimation methods of the core variables, the above conclusions are still robust. In addition, considering the endogeneity, this paper regards the establishment of the pilot zones for green finance reform and innovations as a quasi-natural experiment. It analyzes the policy effect of green finance policy on green innovation by applying the Differences-in-Differences model, as the conclusion is consistent with the above. Finally, this paper takes micro-level evidence to investigate the impact of corporate risk-taking on the relationship between green finance and green innovation. Evidence from this study suggests that green finance has a stronger positive effect on green innovation when firms have a lower risk-taking level. These results have certain practical significance for guiding coordinated development and low-carbon transition.

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  • Bai, Rui & Lin, Boqiang, 2024. "Green finance and green innovation: Theoretical analysis based on game theory and empirical evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 89(PA), pages 760-774.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:89:y:2024:i:pa:p:760-774
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2023.07.046
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    3. Xie, Qichang & Wang, Dong & Bai, Qianwen, 2024. "“Cooperation” or “competition”: Digital finance enables green technology innovation—a new assessment from dynamic spatial spillover perspectives," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 93(PB), pages 587-601.
    4. Omri, Henda & Jarraya, Bilel & Kahia, Montassar, 2025. "Green finance for achieving environmental sustainability in G7 countries: Effects and transmission channels," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    5. Xu, Bin & Lin, Boqiang, 2025. "How does green credit effectively promote green technology innovation?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    6. Chen, Hong & Hu, Shangui & Cai, Yuqing, 2024. "Driving effect of fintech on firm green innovation in China's strategic emerging industries: The mediating role of digital transformation," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 96(PA).
    7. Sadiq, Kinza & Ali, Amjad & Usman, Muhammad & Sulehri, Fiaz Ahmad, 2025. "Nexus among Ecological Footprint, Green Finance and Renewable Energy Consumption: A Global Perspective," MPRA Paper 124498, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Hassan, Mahmoud & Lee, Ji-Yong & Rouge, Luc & Kouzez, Marc, 2025. "The impact of green public finance and green taxes on environmental and non-environmental innovation," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    9. Hongcheng Ling & Xiaohong Ling, 2025. "The impact of digital inclusive finance on enterprise digital technology innovation: empirical evidence from the Chinese manufacturing industry," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-19, December.
    10. Jiazhan Gao & Guihong Hua & Baofeng Huo, 2025. "Turning “green” into “gold”: A study on the impact of green finance pilot zone policy on energy carbon emission efficiency," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 129-143, February.
    11. Bai, Rui & Lin, Boqiang, 2024. "An in-depth analysis of green innovation efficiency: New evidence based on club convergence and spatial correlation network," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    12. Xu, Danyang & Hu, Yang & Oxley, Les & Lin, Boqiang & He, Yongda, 2025. "Exploring the connectedness between major volatility indexes and worldwide sustainable investments," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    13. Chen, Jinrui & Zhang, Yichang, 2025. "Substantive change or strategic response? Digital industrial convergence policy and urban green innovation," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 4(1).
    14. Giorgio Calcagnini & Germana Giombini & Edgar J. Sanchez Carrera, 2024. "Bank Lending Policies and Green Transition," Working Papers - Economics wp2024_16.rdf, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Scienze per l'Economia e l'Impresa.
    15. Ma, Yanbai & Lu, Ling & Cui, Jingbo & Shi, Xunpeng, 2024. "Can green credit policy stimulate firms’ green investments?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 123-137.
    16. Xu, Pei & Ye, Penghao & Zhao, Fan & Jahanger, Atif, 2024. "Technology spillover and market competitiveness in green credit induced corporate green innovation: An evolutionary game theory and empirical study," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).

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