The Causal Impact of Data Elements on Corporate Green Transformation: Evidence from China

The positive impact of data elements on enterprise operation has been confirmed by many scholars, but few studies have paid attention to the effect of data elements on corporate green transformation, especially in the context of global climate change. In this study, we employ panel data from Chinese listing firms to identify the casual impact of data elements on corporate green transformation, using the staggered difference-in-differences method. We show that: (a) Data elements exert a significant positive influence on corporate green transformation. This finding holds up in a series of robustness checks; (b) The promoting effect of data elements on green transformation is mediated by alleviating financing constraints and elevating executive green attention; (c) Green governance resilience and green management innovation can strengthen the positive relationship between data elements and green transformation; and (d) The promoting effect is more pronounced in enterprises with larger boards of directors, those located in the eastern regions, and those characterized by higher carbon emission intensities. Overall, we not only provide empirical evidence of optimizing regional data-factor allocation and promoting green technological innovation but also offer theoretical guidance for refining the pathways of corporate green transformation.