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Effect of media attention on corporate green technology innovation: mechanism and evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Jingjing Deng

    (Hunan Agricultural University)

  • Yi Li

    (Hunan Normal University)

  • Yu Ding

    (Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Work Station, China Merchants Bank)

  • Fengqi Liu

    (Nankai University)

Abstract

This study explores the effect of media attention on corporate green technology innovation. It uses the green patent application data of listed companies in China’s heavy polluting industries between 2006 and 2020, with negative media coverage as a proxy variable for media attention, and employs a staggered difference-in-differences model. The results demonstrate that negative media coverage significantly and positively affects corporate green technology innovation. The mechanism analysis results show that negative media coverage drives green technology innovation through consumer purchasing choice pressure. The role of negative media coverage in promoting corporate green technology innovation is more apparent in regions with a high level of marketization and strong environmental protection intentions among residents. State-owned enterprises and those adopting proactive environmental strategies primarily manifest the positive impact of negative media coverage on green technology innovation. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the role of media attention on corporate governance by introducing green technology innovation and new insights for guiding policymakers and managers to effectively implement green innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jingjing Deng & Yi Li & Yu Ding & Fengqi Liu, 2025. "Effect of media attention on corporate green technology innovation: mechanism and evidence from China," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 68(2), pages 697-727, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:68:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s00181-024-02660-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-024-02660-6
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    Cited by:

    1. Li Fan & Weidong Xu, 2025. "Green Credit Policy, Analyst Attention, and Corporate Green Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-20, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Media attention; Negative media coverage; Green technology innovation; Consumer choice pressure;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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