Search Results (403)

With the increasing global emphasis on sustainable development goals, and in the context of pursuing high-quality sustainable development of the economy and enterprises, this study empirically examines the effect of digital finance on corporate financing constraints and the impact on corporate green innovation with a sample of China’s A-share-listed companies in the period of 2011–2020 and explores the issue from the perspectives of management power and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the micro level of enterprises. The empirical results show that digital finance can indeed alleviate corporate financing constraints. Still, the synergistic effect of the two on corporate green innovation produces a “quantitative and qualitative separation” effect, which only promotes the enhancement of iconic green innovation, and the effect on substantive green innovation is not obvious. The power of management and CSR performanceshave different moderating roles in the alleviation of financing constraints by the empowerment of digital finance. Management power and corporate social responsibility have different moderating effects on digital financial empowerment to alleviate financing constraints. The findings of this study enrich the research in related fields and provide more basis for the promotion of digital financial policies and more solutions for the high-quality development of enterprises. Full article

This theoretical essay aims to analyze some of the socio-economic innovations introduced by Platform Capitalism Specifically, it focuses on two main aspects: first, the digital platform as a radical organizational innovation. Digital platforms represent a structural novelty in the market economy, signaling a new organization of production and labor. Second, the essay examines the role of platforms in directly generating value through the concept of “network value”. To this end, it explores the function of “business intelligence” as a strategic and competitive tool. Finally, the paper discusses the key issues associated with platform capitalism, which could threaten its social sustainability and contribute to economic and financial instability. These issues include the increasing commodification of everyday activities, the devaluation of paid labor in favor of free production driven by platform users (the so-called prosumers), and the emergence of proprietary and financial monopolies. Hence, digital platforms do not inherently ensure comprehensive social and environmental sustainability unless supported by targeted economic policy interventions. Conclusively, it is emphasized that defining robust social welfare frameworks—which account for emerging value creation processes—is imperative. Simultaneously, policymakers must incentivize the proliferation of cooperative platforms capable of fostering experimental circular economy models aligned with ecological sustainability. Full article

The introduction of mobile banking is essential in today’s financial sector, where technological innovation plays a critical role. To remain competitive in the current market, businesses must analyze client attitudes and perspectives, as these influence long-term demand and overall profitability. While previous studies have explored general adoption behaviors, limited research has examined how individual factors such as social influence, lifestyle compatibility, financial technology self-efficacy, and perceived usage cost affect mobile banking adoption among specific generational cohorts. This study addresses that gap by offering insights into these variables, contributing to the growing literature on mobile banking adoption, and presenting actionable recommendations for financial institutions targeting younger market segments. Using a structured questionnaire survey, data were collected from both users and non-users of mobile banking among the Gen Z population in the United States. The regression model significantly predicts mobile banking adoption, with an intercept of $-0.548$ ($p < 0.001$). Among the independent variables, perceived cost of usage has the strongest positive effect on adoption ($B=0.857$, $\beta =0.722$, $p < 0.001$), suggesting that adoption increases when mobile banking is perceived as more affordable. Social influence also has a significant positive impact ($B=0.642$, $\beta =0.643$, $p < 0.001$), indicating that peer influence is a central driver of adoption decisions. However, self-efficacy shows a significant negative relationship ($B=-0.343$, $\beta =-0.339$, $p < 0.001$), and lifestyle compatibility was found to be statistically insignificant ($p=0.615$). These findings suggest that reducing perceived costs, through lower fees, data bundling, or clearer communication about affordability, can directly enhance adoption among Gen Z consumers. Furthermore, leveraging peer influence via referral rewards, Partnerships with influencers, and in-app social features can increase user adoption. Since digital self-efficacy presents a barrier for some, banks should prioritize simplifying user interfaces and offering guided assistance, such as tutorials or chat-based support. Future research may employ longitudinal designs or analyze real-life transaction data for a more objective understanding of behavior. Additional variables like trust, perceived risk, and regulatory policies, not included in this study, should be integrated into future models to offer a more comprehensive analysis. Full article

Amid intensifying global ESG regulations and the expanding influence of green finance, China’s digital economy policies have emerged as key institutional instruments for promoting corporate sustainability. Leveraging the implementation of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone as a quasi-natural experiment, this study utilizes panel data of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2023 and applies multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) and Spatial DID models to rigorously identify the policy’s effects on corporate ESG performance. Empirical results indicate that the impact of digital economy policy is not exerted through a direct linear pathway but operates via three institutional mechanisms, enhanced information transparency, eased financing constraints, and expanded fiscal support, collectively constructing a logic of “institutional embedding–governance restructuring.” Moreover, disruptive technological innovation significantly amplifies the effects of the transparency and fiscal mechanisms, but exhibits no statistically significant moderating effect on the financing constraint pathway, suggesting a misalignment between innovation heterogeneity and financial responsiveness. Further heterogeneity analysis confirms that the policy effect is concentrated among firms characterized by robust governance structures, high levels of property rights marketization, and greater digital maturity. This study contributes to the literature by developing an integrated moderated mediation framework rooted in institutional theory, agency theory, and dynamic capabilities theory. The findings advance the theoretical understanding of ESG policy transmission by unpacking the micro-foundations of institutional response under digital policy regimes, while offering actionable insights into the strategic alignment of digital transformation and sustainability-oriented governance. Full article

Enhancing market integration levels is crucial for advancing sustainable regional collaborative development and achieving ecological protection and high-quality development goals within the Yellow River Basin, fostering a balance between economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental resilience. This study analyzed the retail price data of goods from prefecture-level cities in the Yellow River Basin from 2010 to 2022, employing the relative price method to measure the market integration index. Additionally, it examined the temporal and spatial evolution patterns and driving factors using the Dagum Gini coefficient and panel regression models. The results indicate the following. (1) The market integration index of the Yellow River Basin shows a fluctuating upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. The spatial pattern generally reflects a situation where the east is relatively high and the west is relatively low, as well as the south being higher than the north. (2) Regional disparities are gradually diminishing, with the overall Gini coefficient decreasing from 0.153 to 0.104. However, internal differences within the downstream and midstream areas have become prominent, and contribution rate analysis reveals that super-variable density has replaced between-group disparities as the primary source. (3) Upgrading the industrial structure and enhancing the level of economic development are the core driving forces, while financial support and digital infrastructure significantly accelerate the integration process. Conversely, the level of openness exhibits a phase-specific negative impact. We propose policy emphasizing the need to strengthen development in the upper reach of the Yellow River Basin, further improve interregional collaborative innovation mechanisms, and enhance cross-regional coordination among multicenter network nodes. Full article

This study aims to map the scientific knowledge of bank profitability and its determinants. It identifies trends and gaps in existing research through a bibliometric analysis. To this end, 634 documents published in the Web of Science database over the last 54 years were analyzed using the bibliometric package. The results indicate an increase in the volume of publications following the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on analyzing the factors influencing bank profitability and economic growth. The Journal of Banking and Finance is the preeminent publication in this field. The literature reviewed shows that bank profitability depends on internal factors (size, credit risk, liquidity, efficiency, and management) and external factors (such as GDP, inflation, interest rates, and unemployment). In addition to the traditional determinants, the recent literature highlights the importance of innovation and technological factors such as digitalization, mobile banking, and electronic payments as relevant to bank profitability. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and governance indicators, which are still emerging but have been extensively researched in companies, indicate a need for evidence in this area. This paper also provides relevant insights for the formulation of monetary policy and the strategic formulation of banks, helping managers and owners to improve bank performance. It also provides directions for future empirical studies and research collaborations in this field. Full article

The digital business environment is rapidly evolving with advancements in information technology (IT), increasing the risk of information security incidents. Grounded in the resource-based view and in contingency theory, this study adopts a different approach from prior research by conceptualizing security management activities not as mere risk control mechanisms, but as strategic innovation drivers that can enhance corporate performance (sales revenue and operating profit). The authors develop a research model with six independent variables, including internal and external security management activities, CISO role configuration (independent or dual-role with CIO), and investment levels in IT and information security. The dependent variables include sales revenue and operating profit, with ISMS or ISO certification as a moderating variable. Using information security (IS) disclosures and financial data from 545 Korean firms that have reported their security management activities to the Ministry of Science and ICT, multiple regression and moderation analyses reveal that high IT investment negatively impacts performance, but this effect is mitigated when formal security systems, like ISMS or ISO, are in place. The results suggest that integrating recognized security frameworks into management strategies can enhance both innovation and financial outcomes, encouraging a proactive approach to security management. Full article

Agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs) signify the progressive trajectory of modern agriculture. However, their development encounters significant challenges in many nations. The digital economy, characterized by its strong innovative capacity, offers continuous impetus for advancing agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs). Based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces (2014–2023), this study employs a two-way fixed-effects model, mediation and threshold effect analyses, and a spatial Durbin model to comprehensively assess the influence of the digital economy (DE) on agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs). The findings reveal that (1) the digital economy (DE) significantly enhances the advancement of agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs); (2) while its positive effect is pronounced in eastern, central, and western China, the impact is weaker in the northeastern region; (3) rural financial development (RFD) acts as a mediator in the relationship between digital economy (DE) growth and agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs); (4) the digital economy (DE)’s contribution to agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs) demonstrates non-linear trends; and (5) spatially, while the digital economy (DE) boosts the local agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs), it exerts a negative spillover effect on neighboring areas. This research offers fresh empirical insights into the determinants of agricultural new quality productive forces (ANQPFs) and suggests policy measures to support agricultural modernization. Full article

This study investigates the mechanisms by which green finance mitigates non-point source pollution. Based on provincial panel data from China spanning 2005 to 2023, this study conducts an empirical analysis that yields several key findings: (1) The development of green finance significantly reduces the intensity of agricultural non-point source pollution. (2) Green finance indirectly contributes to pollution reduction by incentivizing farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable production practices. (3) The pollution control effects of green finance are amplified in regions with advanced digital infrastructure. (4) The impact of green finance on agricultural pollution demonstrates a threshold effect associated with regional innovation capacity—only when innovation capability exceeds a certain threshold does the emission reduction effect of green finance become evident. Theoretically, this study broadens the research dimensions of green finance by integrating farmer behavioral factors and revealing boundary conditions related to technology and innovation. Policy implications include the need to tailor green financial products for agriculture, accelerate the development of rural digital infrastructure, and implement innovation-driven differentiated policies to enhance precision. Full article

This study delivers a rigorous and in-depth bibliometric examination of 693 scholarly publications addressing the intersection of metaverse technologies and banking, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Through advanced scientometric tools, including VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, the research systematically unpacks the evolving intellectual and thematic contours of this interdisciplinary frontier. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords reveals a landscape shaped by seven core thematic clusters, encompassing immersive user environments, digital infrastructure, experiential design, and ethical considerations. Factorial analysis uncovers a marked bifurcation between experience-driven narratives and technology-centric frameworks, with integrative concepts such as technology, information, and consumption serving as conceptual bridges. Network visualizations of authorship patterns point to the emergence of high-density collaboration clusters, particularly centered around influential contributors such as Dwivedi and Ooi, while regional distribution patterns indicate a tri-continental dominance led by Asia, North America, and Western Europe. Temporal analysis identifies a significant surge in academic interest beginning in 2022, aligning with increased institutional and commercial experimentation in virtual financial platforms. Our findings argue that the incorporation of metaverse paradigms into banking is not merely a technological shift but a systemic transformation in progress—one that blurs the boundaries between speculative innovation and tangible implementation. This work contributes foundational insights for future inquiry into digital finance systems, algorithmic governance, trust architecture, and the wider socio-economic consequences of banking in virtualized environments. Whether a genuine leap toward financial evolution or a sophisticated illusion, the metaverse in banking must now be treated as a systemic phenomenon worthy of serious scrutiny. Full article

Governance challenges, success factors, and stakeholder dynamics are central to the implementation of Positive Energy District (PED) Labs, which aim to develop energy-positive and sustainable urban areas. In this paper, a qualitative analysis combining expert surveys, participatory workshops with practitioners from the COST Action PED-EU-NET network, and comparative case studies across Europe identifies key barriers, drivers, and stakeholder roles throughout the implementation process. Findings reveal that fragmented regulations, social inertia, and limited financial mechanisms are the main barriers to PED Lab development, while climate change mitigation goals, strong local networks, and supportive policy frameworks are critical drivers. The analysis maps stakeholder engagement across six development phases, showing how leadership shifts between governments, industry, planners, and local communities. PED Labs require intangible assets such as inclusive governance frameworks, education, and trust-building in the early phases, while tangible infrastructures become more relevant in later stages. The conclusions emphasize that robust, inclusive governance is not merely supportive but a key driver of PED Lab success. Adaptive planning, participatory decision-making, and digital coordination tools are essential for overcoming systemic barriers. Scaling PED Labs effectively requires regulatory harmonization and the integration of social and technological innovation to accelerate the transition toward energy-positive, climate-resilient cities. Full article

This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how mobile banking applications contribute to sustainable development by introducing a novel text mining framework to analyze sustainability dimensions through user-generated content. We analyzed 120,000 reviews from six major Turkish mobile banking applications using an ownership-sensitive analytical approach that integrates structural topic modeling with four sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, governance, and economic). Our analysis reveals significant institutional differences in sustainability approaches: government-owned banks demonstrate substantially stronger overall sustainability orientation (23.43% vs. 11.83% coverage) with pronounced emphasis on social sustainability (+181.7% growth) and economic development (+104.2% growth), while private banks prioritize innovation-focused sustainability. The temporal analysis (2022–2025) shows accelerating sustainability emphasis across all institutions, with distinct evolution patterns by ownership type. Institution-specific sustainability profiles emerge clearly, with each government bank demonstrating distinctive focus areas aligned with historical missions: cultural heritage preservation, agricultural sector support, and small business development. Mapping to Sustainable Development Goals reveals that government banks prioritize development-focused goals (SDGs 1, 8, and 10), while private banks emphasize innovation-focused goals (SDGs 9 and 17). This research makes three key contributions: demonstrating user-generated content as an effective lens for authentic sustainability assessment, establishing ownership-sensitive evaluation frameworks for digital banking sustainability, and providing empirical evidence for contextualized rather than universal sustainability strategies. The findings offer strategic implications for financial institutions, policymakers, and app developers seeking to enhance sustainable digital banking transformation. Full article

This study conducts a comprehensive systematic review of the economic impact of Digital Twin (DT) technology within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, following the PRISMA methodology. While DT adoption has been accelerated by advancements in Building Information Modelling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, significant challenges persist—most notably, high initial investment costs and integration complexities. Synthesising the literature from 2016 onwards, this review identifies sector-specific barriers, regulatory burdens, and a lack of standardisation as key factors constituting DT implementation costs. Despite these hurdles, DTs demonstrate strong potential for enhancing construction productivity, optimising lifecycle asset management, and enabling predictive maintenance, ultimately reducing operational expenditures and improving long-term financial performance. Case studies reveal cost efficiencies achieved through DTs in modular construction, energy optimisation, and infrastructure management. However, limited financial resources and digital skills continue to constrain the uptake across the sector, with various extents of impact. This paper calls for the development of unified standards, innovative public–private funding mechanisms, and strategic collaborations to unlock and utilise DTs’ full economic value. It also recommends that future research explore theoretical frameworks addressing governance, data infrastructure, and digital equity—particularly through conceptualising DT-related data as public assets or collective goods in the context of smart cities and networked infrastructure systems. Full article

This study explores the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty in mobile banking, emphasizing the moderating role of Technology Readiness. As mobile banking becomes increasingly central to financial service delivery, understanding the nuanced drivers of customer loyalty is essential for strategic growth. Drawing from the Technology Readiness Index, this study examines how four dimensions, optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity, moderate the satisfaction–loyalty linkage. Data were collected via a structured survey from 258 mobile banking users in the United States, analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results show that optimism and innovativeness positively moderate this relationship, while discomfort and insecurity act as negative moderators. Practically, this research introduces a segmented approach to mobile banking service design, underscoring the need for differentiated strategies that address varying levels of user readiness. Theoretically, this study addresses a gap in mobile banking literature by shifting the focus from adoption to sustained usage and satisfaction-based loyalty, enriching the discourse on customer behavior in digital finance. Full article

The digital economy has amplified the role of technological innovation in transforming financial services and business models. Patent data offer valuable insights into these dynamics, especially within the growing FinTech ecosystem. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of academic research that utilizes PATSTAT, a global database managed by the European Patent Office, focusing on its application in studies related to digital innovation, finance, and economic transformation. A systematic mapping of publications indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley, Emerald, and Springer Nature is carried out using Biblioshiny and Bibliometrix in RStudio 2025.05.0, complemented by graph-based visualizations via VOSviewer 1.6.20. The findings reveal a growing body of research that leverages PATSTAT to explore technological trajectories, intellectual property strategies, and innovation systems, particularly in areas such as blockchain technologies, AI-driven finance, digital payments, and smart contracts. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the strategic value of patent analytics in the FinTech landscape and offers a reference point for researchers and decision-makers aiming to understand emerging trends in financial technologies and the digital economy. Full article