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Exploring the Effects of Traffic Noise on Innovation through Health Mechanism: A Quasi-Experimental Study in China

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaojia Chen

    (School of Public Administration, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
    These authors contributed equally and share the first authorship.)

  • Wei Xu

    (College of Economics, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
    These authors contributed equally and share the first authorship.)

Abstract

Noise pollution poses a significant hazard to humans by disrupting the maintenance of the quiet environment that is thought to promote innovation. In this study, the causal relationship between traffic noise and innovation was explored using four models. First, the panel data model with fixed effects was applied to determine the impact of traffic noise on innovation. Second, the interaction model was used to estimate the health regulatory effect. Third, the regression discontinuity model was used to identify the natural experience of the impact of traffic noise on innovation and further determine the causal effect of the noise threshold. Finally, the difference-in-differences model was used to identify the micro impact of traffic noise on innovation. The results show that from macro and micro perspectives, traffic noise suppresses innovation, and that health has a differential impact on the traffic noise–innovation relationship. In addition, we identified the critical point at which the impact of traffic noise on innovation is favorable owing to the white noise effect, providing a quantitative basis for policy implementation. Our results show that current environmental noise regulations must be re-examined to determine new measures for improving the innovative acoustic environment, promoting innovation, and achieving sustainable economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaojia Chen & Wei Xu, 2022. "Exploring the Effects of Traffic Noise on Innovation through Health Mechanism: A Quasi-Experimental Study in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12943-:d:938179
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiaojia Chen & Yue Chen & Yuanfen Li & Wei Xu, 2022. "Effect of Watering down Environmental Regulation on Residents’ Health in China: A Quasi-Natural Experiment of Local Officials’ Promotion Motivation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-16, December.

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