The nexus between firm-specific agriculture research and development and agriculture total factor productivity: new evidence from China

This study investigates the relationship between firm-specific agriculture research and development (ARD) and agriculture total factor productivity (ATFP) in China using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) techniques. The results show cointegration and bidirectional causal relationship between ATFP and ARD. ARD plays a significant role in promoting ATFP, and ATFP also impacts the level of ARD in China. These findings are positive for China's agriculture improvement efforts. Additionally, the inclusion of control variables strengthens the ATFP-ARD relationship.