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The Effect of Environmental Protection-Related Media Coverage on Corporate Green Innovation

Author

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  • Chuangneng Cai

    (School of Business, Shantou University, 243 Daxue Road, Shantou 515063, China)

  • Mengmeng Fan

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Xuebing Dong

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Jie Zhang

    (School of Business, Shantou University, 243 Daxue Road, Shantou 515063, China)

Abstract

Climate change and environmental pollution pose urgent global challenges that critically affect economic and social development. Corporate green innovation has emerged as a pivotal driver of coordinated environmental and economic progress. However, the existing research has predominantly focused on the effects of media coverage pertaining to corporations themselves in regard to corporate decisions, providing limited insight into the effects of media coverage on environmental protection. Thus, this study aims to investigate the governance effect of the media and its influence on corporate green innovation. Utilizing fixed-effect models, which involves analyzing data from various secondary sources, this study focused on Chinese manufacturing companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2008 to 2019. The results revealed that media coverage of environmental protection had a positive impact on corporate green innovation. In addition, this study found that industry turbulence enhanced the connection between media coverage of environmental protection and green innovation, whereas factor market development and managers’ overseas experience weakened this relationship. Recognizing the role that the media plays in promoting green innovation can empower companies to effectively address environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Chuangneng Cai & Mengmeng Fan & Xuebing Dong & Jie Zhang, 2024. "The Effect of Environmental Protection-Related Media Coverage on Corporate Green Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:10887-:d:1542268
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    Cited by:

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