The Accountability System for Operation and Investment and the Innovation of State-owned Enterprises: Evidence from China

Authors

  • WenJing Yu School of Accounting, Anhui University of Finance and Economics, Bengbu 233030, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/EBM.9156

Keywords:

State-owned enterprises, The Accountability System for Operation and Investment, Corporate innovation

Abstract

This study employs a multi-period difference-in-differences model to empirically examine the impact of operational and investment accountability on innovation in state-owned enterprises(SOEs), grounded in China's unique phased implementation of this accountability system nationwide. Findings reveal that following the introduction of the accountability framework, innovation outputs in SOEs increased significantly. Government subsidies amplify the positive effect of accountability on innovation, while two-tier agency costs diminish this effect.  These findings not only provide new evidence for the effectiveness of the accountability system but also offer important policy implications for promoting innovation in state-owned enterprises.

 

References

[1] Andreas, S., Larry, D., and Marc, F., 1999, The Self-Restraining State: Power and Accountability in New Democracies. Lynne Rienner Publishers.

[2] Liu Y G., Zheng Q, Cai G L. Do Non-State Shareholders Improve Internal Control Quality in State-Owned Enterprises? Empirical Evidence from State-Owned Listed Companies [J]. Accounting Research, 2016, (11): 61-68+96.

[3] Wang M S, Fu Y H, Hong X Y. Tax and Fee Cuts, Long-Term Loan Leverage, and Corporate Innovation [J]. Accounting Research, 2023(08):88-102.

[4] Holmstrom B. Agency costs and innovation[J]. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 1989, 12(3): 305-327.

[5] Rus, D., Knippenberg, V. D., and Wisse, B., 2011, "Leader Power and Self-Serving Behavior: The Moderating Role of Accountability," The Leadership Quarterly, 23(1):13-26.

[6] Patterson E R, Smith J R. The effects of Sarbanes-Oxley on auditing and internal control strength[J]. The Accounting Review, 2007: 427-455.

[7] Wang M S, Xu Z H, Chen X. Government Subsidies, Internal Expected Performance Pressure, and the Shift from Real to Virtual Economy in Industrial Enterprises [J]. China Soft Science, 2024(06):131-141.

[8] Fang V W, Tian X, Tice S. Does stock liquidity enhance or impede firm innovation?[J]. The Journal of finance, 2014, 69(5): 2085-2125.

[9] Campbell S, Li Y, Yu J, et al. The impact of occupational community on the quality of internal control[J]. Journal of Business Ethics, 2016, 139: 271-285.

Downloads

Published

2026-03-03

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

The Accountability System for Operation and Investment and the Innovation of State-owned Enterprises: Evidence from China. (2026). Economics & Business Management, 5(1), 23-32. https://doi.org/10.63313/EBM.9156