The Impact of Digital Transformation on Corporate Cost Stickiness: Evidence From China's Agriculture‐Related Listed Companies
基于2007-2021年中国农业相关上市公司数据，研究发现数字化转型显著降低了成本粘性，且效果在非国有企业、股权分散及机构持股比例低的公司中更明显。
ABSTRACT The transition to digital operations represents a critical driver in advancing the digital economy's quality growth. Within this context, the agricultural sector—encompassing farming, forestry, livestock, and fisheries—holds particular significance as a foundational pillar of national economic development, making its digital transformation especially consequential. This study examines the nexus between digital adoption and cost stickiness using a sample of Chinese agriculture‐related listed companies from 2007 to 2021. Empirical findings reveal that digital initiatives markedly mitigate cost stickiness. Further heterogeneity analysis demonstrates three key insights: the stickiness‐reducing effect is more pronounced in NSOEs compared to SOEs; companies with relatively dispersed equity and low institutional shareholding ratios exhibit stronger responsiveness to digital‐driven cost optimisation; stable operating environments amplify digitalisation's efficacy in curbing cost stickiness. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers and agricultural companies navigating digital modernisation pathways.