The consequences of environmental big data information disclosure on hard-to-abate Chinese enterprises’ green innovation

Big data technology may improve the quality of environmental information disclosure and address the challenge of information asymmetry. This study adopts a difference-in-differences strategy to investigate the effectiveness of the big data-based environmental information disclosure system launched by the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection in 2013. The results reveal that, the system significantly stimulates green innovation in hard-to-abate enterprises with an entrepreneurial orientation. A mechanism exploration suggests that environmental big data information disclosure drives officials to implement environmental policies aimed at hard-to-abate enterprises and raises public concern regarding environmental quality; however, the mechanism of public attention is found to be ineffective in stimulating corporate green innovation in the sample period. This study identifies a useful channel for policymakers to develop green innovation by enhancing the current system of environmental big data information disclosure.