Intellectual Property Protection and Enterprise Digital Transformation: Evidence From Chinese Listed Companies

Abstract

In this study, the two-way fixed effect model is used to explore the role of intellectual property protection (IPP) in promoting the digital transformation of enterprises. It is found that there is a positive correlation between strong regional intellectual property protection and the level of digital transformation of enterprises. Even after a series of robustness tests such as difference model, entropy balance matching and eliminating peer effect, this relationship is still significant. Further analysis shows that this promotion effect is particularly obvious in enterprises in growth and maturity period and enterprises in the eastern region. The evaluation of economic consequences shows that intellectual property protection not only promotes the digital transformation of enterprises, but also improves the total factor productivity and patent output. This study provides valuable data and policy suggestions, and emphasizes the importance of promoting the digital transformation of enterprises by strengthening intellectual property protection.