Unlocking Digital Transformation via Technical Transformation: Strategic Government Support in China's Manufacturing Sector

IF 2.2 Q2 POLITICAL SCIENCE

Politics & Policy Pub Date : 2026-03-06 DOI:10.1111/polp.70125

Lang Wu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study examines how government subsidies catalyze digital transformation in Chinese manufacturing enterprises during the rapid evolution of the digital economy. Using comprehensive firm-level data spanning 2012–2022, we find that targeted subsidies significantly accelerate digital transformation initiatives by alleviating financial constraints, particularly among growth-stage, small-scale, and private enterprises. The impact exhibits notable heterogeneity across industries and regions, with labor-intensive sectors and areas with conducive business environments demonstrating more substantial positive effects. Interestingly, in regions already characterized by high digitalization, the effectiveness of subsidies diminishes, suggesting the need for more differentiated policy approaches. Beyond stimulating digital technology adoption, these subsidies serve as stabilizing mechanisms for firms navigating environmental uncertainties. Our findings provide novel microlevel evidence on the transmission mechanisms through which government financial support drives industrial digitalization, contributing to both theoretical understanding and policy design for promoting new-generation industrialization in transitional economies.

Wang, Qingzheng. 2025. “Structural and Instrumental Power of Real Estate Companies in China and Government Regulation: The Case of Evergrande.” Politics & Policy 53, no. 3: e70031. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70031.

Shen, Y., Ieong, M. U., and Zhu, Z. 2021. “The Function of Expert Involvement in China's Local Policy Making.” Politics & Policy 50, no. 1: 59–76. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12450.

Li, W., Pierce, J. J., Chen, F., and Wang, F. 2024. “The Politics of China's Policy Processes: A Comparative Review of the Advocacy Coalition Framework's Applications to Mainland China.” Politics & Policy 52, no. 4: 728–756. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12574.

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通过技术转型开启数字化转型：中国制造业的政府战略支持

本研究考察了在数字经济快速演进过程中，政府补贴对中国制造企业数字化转型的催化作用。利用2012-2022年企业层面的综合数据，我们发现有针对性的补贴通过缓解财务约束显著加速了数字化转型举措，尤其是在成长期、小规模和私营企业中。影响在不同行业和地区表现出显著的异质性，劳动密集型行业和营商环境有利的地区表现出更显著的积极影响。有趣的是，在已经高度数字化的地区，补贴的有效性下降，这表明需要采取更加差异化的政策方法。除了刺激数字技术的采用，这些补贴还可以作为企业应对环境不确定性的稳定机制。研究结果为政府金融支持推动产业数字化的传导机制提供了新的微观证据，有助于促进转型经济体新一代工业化的理论认识和政策设计。王清正。2025。中国房地产企业的结构性、工具性权力与政府监管：以恒大为例政治与政策53，no。3: e70031。https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.70031。沈旸，杨明宇，朱忠。2021。“专家参与在中国地方决策中的作用”。政治与政策50，不。[1:59 . 76] https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12450。李伟，Pierce, j.j., Chen， F., Wang， F. 2024。“中国政策过程的政治：倡导联盟框架在中国大陆应用的比较回顾”。政治与政策，第52期。4: 728 - 756。https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12574。

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来源期刊

Politics & Policy POLITICAL SCIENCE-

CiteScore

2.50

自引率

23.10%

发文量