How does the development of digital inclusive finance in China affect green technology innovation? A theoretical mechanism study and empirical analysis

Abstract

This study employed fixed effects (FE) models, difference-in-differences (DID) methods, and mediating effect (ME) models to explore the total effect, structural effect, heterogeneous characteristics, and impact mechanism of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on green technology innovation (GTI) from 2011 to 2020. We derived the following results. First, DIF can significantly improve the level of GTI, and the positive role of internet digital inclusive finance is greater than that of traditional banks, but the three dimensions of the DIF index have different impacts on such innovation. Second, the impact of DIF on GTI has a "siphon effect," which is significantly promoted in regions with stronger economic power and inhibited in those with weaker economic power. Finally, there is an influence mechanism of "digital inclusive finance → financing constraints → green technology innovation." Our findings provide evidence to establish a lasting effect mechanism for DIF to promote GTI, and they have important reference value for other countries to develop DIF.

Keywords: Digital inclusive finance; Financing constraints; Green technology innovation; Impact mechanisms.