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Can climate-related information disclosures strengthen green innovation capacity? Firm-level evidence using textual analysis

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Listed:
  • Tao, Miaomiao
  • Wang, Jianda
  • Wu, Sihong
  • Wang, Guanghao

Abstract

This study presents novel insights on modelling the implications of voluntary climate-related information disclosure on corporate green innovation (GI) in China. Based on a constructed dataset of 13,664 firm-year observations between 2014 and 2020, we quantify climate-related disclosures under the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework using computerized text analysis. Our findings show that climate-related information disclosure substantially bolsters corporate green innovation after addressing endogeneity concerns. However, the promoting effects vary drastically across industry attributes, ownership structure, and environmental regulations. Further channel analysis demonstrates that “greenwashing” behaviours and financial constraints adversely moderate the nexus between climate-related information disclosure and green innovation of firms, while digital finance positively moderates it. Overall, this study enriches the literature and offers practical implications for firms engaging in the green innovation process more effectively under a more transparent environment-related disclosure system.

Suggested Citation

  • Tao, Miaomiao & Wang, Jianda & Wu, Sihong & Wang, Guanghao, 2024. "Can climate-related information disclosures strengthen green innovation capacity? Firm-level evidence using textual analysis," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:95:y:2024:i:c:s1059056024004544
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2024.103462
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    3. Zhao, Feng & Huang, Yanshun & Zheng, Yanting, 2025. "Cultural norms and corporate green transition disclosure: Unveiling the role of green innovation, social responsibility, and managerial myopia," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 205-220.
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    7. Fan, Xiaoyun & Shen, Xinyan & Wang, Daoping & Zhou, Cier, 2025. "The Paris Agreement and firms’ carbon information disclosure: Honesty or catering?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    8. Nepal, Rabindra & Zhao, Xiaomeng & Dong, Kangyin & Wang, Jianda & Sharif, Arshian, 2025. "Can artificial intelligence technology innovation boost energy resilience? The role of green finance," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).

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