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Green Finance and Regional Technological Innovation in China: The Mediating Role of R&D Investment

Author

Listed:
  • Ading Li

    (Faculty of Economics, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand)

  • Adul Supanut

    (Faculty of Economics, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand)

  • Jianxu Liu

    (School of Economics, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan 250000, China)

Abstract

In light of global initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and low-carbon growth, this research investigates how green finance affects regional technological innovation in China, specifically highlighting the mediating effect of R&D investment. Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2021, we apply fixed-effects and mediation models to explore these relationships. The results indicate a strong positive link between green finance and regional technological innovation, with R&D investment acting as a partial mediator. Furthermore, the capabilities for regional innovation and entrepreneurship enhance the influence of green finance on R&D investment. However, in areas with greater innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities, the additional effect of R&D investment tends to decrease. Based on these results, the study proposes targeted policy recommendations, including enhancing green finance policies, improving financial institution services, promoting enterprise-led R&D activities, and fostering regional collaboration to achieve balanced innovation development. These insights provide both theoretical and practical significance for leveraging green finance to advance sustainable innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ading Li & Adul Supanut & Jianxu Liu, 2025. "Green Finance and Regional Technological Innovation in China: The Mediating Role of R&D Investment," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijfss:v:13:y:2025:i:2:p:78-:d:1649606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Chengguo Jin & Faizal Baharum & Dayao Li & Md Azree Othuman Mydin & Ernawati Mustafa Kamal, 2025. "Exploration of R&D input and technological innovation output in high-tech industries—based on the perspective of financing channels of China," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(4), pages 21582440251, December.
    2. Yahui Chen & Yi An & Zixun Nie & Yuanying Chi & Xinyue Jia, 2025. "Impact of Green Financial Reform on Urban Economic Resilience—A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on Green Financial Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-32, July.
    3. Meng Li & Yang Xu, 2025. "The Impact of Computing Infrastructure Construction on Innovation in Manufacturing Enterprises: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on the Establishment of China’s National Supercomputing Centers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-23, October.

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