Does big data infrastructure development promote new enterprises entry: Evidence from China

This paper created a quasi-natural experiment to investigate the effect and mechanisms of big data infrastructure on new enterprise entry, by applying the data from Chinese Industrial and Commercial Registered Enterprise Database, and utilizing National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone as an exogenous policy shock. The findings confirmed the causal effects from big data development on new businesses entry, with industrial and human capital agglomeration effects acting as the pathways. Moreover, big data development policies are particularly effective for high-tech firms and service industry. This research reveals the "data code" underlying the vitality of market participants from a novel perspective.