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How does digital transformation affect firm technical efficiency? Evidence from China

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  • Zhang, Chaolin
  • Deng, Yongqi

Abstract

This paper explores the effect of digital transformation on firm technical efficiency. The results show that digital transformation significantly promotes firm technical efficiency by enhancing firm technological progress, improving firm capital allocation efficiency, and optimizing firm human capital structure. In addition, the efficiency improvement effect of firm digital transformation is particularly pronounced in regions with advanced levels of digital economy or digital finance development. Consequently, this study extends the research on the economic effects of firm digital transformation and provides policy insights for governmental promotion of firm digital transformation initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Chaolin & Deng, Yongqi, 2024. "How does digital transformation affect firm technical efficiency? Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 69(PA).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:69:y:2024:i:pa:s1544612324010997
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106069
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital transformation; Firm technological efficiency; Firm technological progress; Capital allocation efficiency; Human capital structure;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm

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