How digital government development drives corporate digital innovation: the new role of data network effects theory
基于中国2018年大数据管理改革，研究发现数字政府发展通过数据网络效应促使试点城市企业数字发明专利数量从约4件增至约4.46件，对国企、高科技企业等效果更强，并提升了全要素生产率。
Digital Government Development (DGD), a key aspect of modern governance, uses digital technologies and data to promote high-quality economic growth. Based on China’s 2018 big data management reform as a quasi-natural experiment, this study applies a difference-in-differences approach to investigate how DGD affects corporate digital innovation through data network effects. Results indicate that the reform increases the expected number of digital invention patents for a median firm in pilot cities from about 4 to approximately 4.46. DGD, as an external platform node, appears to drive innovation by mandating data network access, reducing R&D manipulation, mitigating information asymmetry, and accelerating digital transformation, aligning with a potential mediation pathway. The effect is stronger in state-owned enterprises, high-tech firms, growing firms, and regions with stricter data privacy protections. Further analysis shows that DGD-driven innovation boosts total factor productivity. By adopting a data network perspective, this study contributes theoretically and practically to understanding governmental transformation in the digital economy.