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The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Attention on Innovation Performance: Evidence from High-polluting Industries

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  • Wei Wang

    (School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China)

  • Xue-Zhou Zhao

    (School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China)

  • Feng-Wen Chen

    (School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China)

  • Chia-Huei Wu

    (Institute of Service Industries and Management, Minghsin University of Science Technology, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan)

  • Sangbing Tsai

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Zhongshan Institute, Zhongshan 528400, China)

  • Jiangtao Wang

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Zhongshan Institute, Zhongshan 528400, China)

Abstract

High-polluting industries are important sources of pollutant emissions, and closely related to many environmental issues. High-polluting firms face the pressure to exploit technological innovation for improving their environmental operations. This paper explores the impact of corporate social responsibility and public attention on the innovation performance of high-polluting firms. Based on a sample of China’s listed firms in high-polluting industries from 2011 to 2016, we use a panel data model to investigate the associations among corporate social responsibility, public attention and innovation performance. The results show that there is a positive association between corporate social responsibility and innovation performance. There is a positive association between public attention and innovation performance as well. The pressure of regional economies can hinder innovation performance. Furthermore, in the subsample of state-owned enterprises, the association between public attention and innovation performance is more pronounced. Meanwhile, the corporate social responsibility of non-state-owned enterprises plays a stronger role for innovation performance, but its effect will be limited by the pressure of regional economies. Our results can help high-polluting firms implement the innovation strategies for obtaining more environmental benefits and achieving sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Wang & Xue-Zhou Zhao & Feng-Wen Chen & Chia-Huei Wu & Sangbing Tsai & Jiangtao Wang, 2019. "The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Attention on Innovation Performance: Evidence from High-polluting Industries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-20, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3939-:d:277207
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