Based on panel data from 16 cities in Shandong Province from 2011 to 2021, this article empirically studies the impact of the development of digital inclusive finance on the optimization of employment structure in Shandong Province, based on regional innovation and entrepreneurial activity. Research has found that, overall, digital inclusive finance can significantly promote the optimization of China's employment structure; Digital inclusive finance can more effectively promote the development of the tertiary industry and optimize the employment structure in regions with active innovation and entrepreneurship; Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that compared to economically underdeveloped areas in Shandong Province, the impact of digital inclusive finance on employment structure in developed areas is significant and positive. Based on the above conclusions, this article proposes some suggestions: China should integrate digital inclusive finance with policy frameworks, actively promote its development, and closely integrate the development of digital inclusive finance with employment issues; In the process of promoting the development of digital inclusive finance, it is necessary to strengthen support for innovation and entrepreneurship to achieve more efficient optimization of employment structure.

Ning Feng, Xiaoxue Zhou, Sim Jae Yeon. The Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance in Shandong Province on the Optimization of Employment Structure—Research Based on the Perspectives of Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurial Activity. Academic Journal of Business & Management (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 1: 211-218. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJBM.2025.070128.

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