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eISSN: 2083-5906
ISSN: 1230-1485
ISSN: 1230-1485
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
How Does the International Transport Network
Affect Corporate Green Innovation: Evidence
from the China-Europe Railway Express
1
School of Management and Engineering, Guilin University, Guilin, China
2
College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
3
College of Electronic Information and Automation, Guilin University of Aerospace Technology, Guilin, China
Submission date: 2024-11-21
Final revision date: 2025-04-02
Acceptance date: 2025-04-13
Online publication date: 2025-07-01
Corresponding author
Shi Liang
College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Leveraging the inauguration of the China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) as a natural experiment,
this study employs a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model using data from China’s
listed manufacturing firms spanning 2011 to 2021. The findings reveal that the CRE has significantly
enhanced the green innovation capabilities of manufacturing enterprises, with a notably stronger impact
on substantive green innovation than strategic green innovation. These results are further reinforced
through rigorous robustness checks, including instrumental variable approaches, propensity score
matching combined with difference-in-differences (PSM+DID) regression, and variable substitution.
The study identifies two primary mechanisms driving the CRE’s positive impact on corporate green
innovation: alleviating financial constraints and facilitating cross-border innovation resource flows.
Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the CRE’s benefits are particularly pronounced among non-stateowned
enterprises, firms with lower degrees of internationalization, and smaller firms. Regionally,
the impact is most substantial in the central regions, followed by the eastern regions, while the western
regions show limited effects due to structural challenges. Industry-level analysis reveals a hierarchical
impact, with high-tech manufacturing deriving the greatest benefit, followed by medium-tech
and traditional manufacturing sectors. This study contributes theoretical insights and offers actionable
policy recommendations to maximize the CRE’s potential in fostering green innovation, addressing
regional inequalities, and advancing sustainable international trade and logistics.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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| eISSN: | 2083-5906 |
| ISSN: | 1230-1485 |
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