Are Data Assets Useful?—Evidence Based on Corporate Cost Stickiness

As the digital economy continues to grow, data resources are becoming increasingly important as factors of production. The existing body of literature lacks comprehensive research on how digital data actually becomes a production factor. This study aims to fill that gap by examining how data assets affect corporate cost stickiness. Our findings show that data assets have a significant impact on reducing cost stickiness, and this conclusion remains robust even after conducting various rigorous tests. Mechanism tests indicate that data assets help companies in effectively managing the bullwhip effect resulting from demand fluctuations in the supply chain. Moreover, companies that possess and utilize data assets have better inventory turnover, enhancing their capacity for flexible production. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of data assets on cost stickiness is more pronounced in regions characterized by a high level of digital economy development and among enterprises facing higher operational uncertainty. This highlights the important role of data assets as novel production factor in managing costs and allocating resources effectively. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the value of data assets in cost management and resource allocation for businesses in the digital era.