Hongshan Ai , Lin Xiang , Xiaoqing Tan , Haorui Yao , Li Han
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Using the Smart City Pilot (SCP) policy as a quasi-experiment, we evaluate the causal effect of place-based information technology policy on digital finance development with a difference-in-differences (DID) approach. Our DID estimates indicate that the SCP policy significantly boosts digital financial inclusion (DFI) in China. Relative to non-pilot cities, this policy increases the DFI index by 1.44 in pilot cities. This increase in the DFI index is mainly driven by the deepened usage of digital finance. Heterogeneity analyses show that the implementation of the SCP policy exerts larger influences on digital finance development in eastern cities, cities with high administrative levels or more education resources, and non-resource-based cities. Furthermore, the stimulated development of the information industry and the improved business environment are two important channels to explain the positive impact of the implementation of this place-based information technology policy on digital finance development.
期刊介绍:
Economic Analysis and Policy (established 1970) publishes articles from all branches of economics with a particular focus on research, theoretical and applied, which has strong policy relevance. The journal also publishes survey articles and empirical replications on key policy issues. Authors are expected to highlight the main insights in a non-technical introduction and in the conclusion.