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The impact of the recognition of high-tech enterprise on R&D disclosure

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Listed:
  • Yuanxing Wan

    (Zhejiang Gongshang University)

  • Ziyue Wang

    (Zhejiang Gongshang University)

  • Jinrui Chen

    (Zhejiang Gongshang University)

  • Yuting Jiang

    (Zhejiang Gongshang University)

Abstract

The Administration of Recognition of High-tech Enterprises, a monitoring program for high-tech entrepreneurs, administers China’s most critical policy for reducing taxes to incentivize research and development (R&D), which also impacts disclosure. This study examines how this recognition has influenced high-tech enterprise R&D disclosure. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) design, the study found that authentic high-tech firms disclose more detailed R&D information. In contrast, pseudo-high-tech firms inflate their R&D investments by manipulating accounting items and business activities to qualify for recognition and its associated preferential policies, resulting in vague and less frequent R&D disclosures. Additional tests showed that the positive impact of recognition on R&D disclosure is more significant for authentic high-tech firms when information demand is higher. However, pseudo-high-tech firms disclosed much lower-quality R&D information, especially when their managers prioritized rent extraction. This documented effect of high-tech enterprise recognition provides empirical evidence to reveal the dynamics of the high-tech disclosure dispute on industrial policy, while also offering theoretical and practical implications for business and public policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanxing Wan & Ziyue Wang & Jinrui Chen & Yuting Jiang, 2025. "The impact of the recognition of high-tech enterprise on R&D disclosure," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04735-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04735-w
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