Welcome to Francis Academic Press

Academic Journal of Business & Management, 2025, 7(8); doi: 10.25236/AJBM.2025.070819.

Data Aggregation and Enterprise Digital Transformation: A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on National Big Data Pilot Zones

Author(s)

Wenqian Mu, Jiangyuan Chang

Corresponding Author:
​Wenqian Mu
Affiliation(s)

School of Economics, Beijing Wuzi University, Beijing, China

Abstract

Data as a new type of production factor profoundly influences the development trajectory and competitiveness of enterprises in multiple aspects, including driving innovation, optimizing decision-making, reshaping business models, precision marketing, and improving operational efficiency. This paper uses the establishment of national big data pilot zones as a quasi-natural experiment and employs a difference-in-differences method to study the impact of data aggregation on corporate digital transformation. The findings reveal that data aggregation promotes corporate digital transformation, with more pronounced effects in regions with weaker factor utilization capabilities and in eastern regions. Mechanism analysis indicates that data aggregation enhances corporate willingness to pursue digital transformation by alleviating financing constraints and improving intellectual property protection levels.

Keywords

Data Aggregation; Enterprise Digital Transformation; National Big Data Pilot Zone

Cite This Paper

Wenqian Mu, Jiangyuan Chang. Data Aggregation and Enterprise Digital Transformation: A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on National Big Data Pilot Zones. Academic Journal of Business & Management (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 8: 164-171. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJBM.2025.070819.

References

[1] Zhao W, Yang D X. Construction Level of China’s Modern Economic System: Statistical Measurement, Spatial Pattern and Correlation Network[J].Statistics & Decision,2024,40(24):95-100.

[2] Zhou W, Ye L. High-Quality Development of State-Owned Enterprises and New Quality Productive Forces: Reform Directions and Institutional Arrangements[J].Research on Financial and Economic Issues,2025,(02):17-28.

[3] Zhang G S, Yan P, Li X Y. Big Data Factor Agglomeration, Technological Capability Gaps and Regional Disparities in Productivity[J].China Ind. Econ,2024,(10):118-136.

[4] Sun W Z, Mao N, Lan F, et al. Policy empowerment, digital ecosystem and enterprise digital transformation: A quasi natural experiment based on the national big data comprehensive experimental zone[J]. China Ind. Econ, 2023, 9: 117-135.

[5] Shi B, Guo S Q. Fair Competition Review, New Quality Productive Forces and Digital Transformation of Enterprises[J].On Economic Problems,2025,(01):1-14.

[6] Luo J H, Liu H C, Wu Y L. Does the mixed ownership reform of state – owned enterprises promote digital transformation?[J].Finance and Trade Research,2024,35(11):79-94.

[7] Chen D, Liu J Z, Zhao C Y. Party Organization Embedding and Digital Transformation of Private Enterprises[J].Journal of Shanxi University of Finance and Economics,2024,46(11):86-102.

[8] Zeng X Y, Wei M M, Zhou J. How does the development of the digital economy affect corporate transformation and upgrading? — Based on a quasi-natural experiment in a national-level big data comprehensive pilot zone[J].Fujian Tribune,2023,(09):74-91.

[9] Wei H, Wu J. Intellectual Property Rights, Import and Innovation of Leading Innovative Enterprises[J]. Journal of Financial Research,2018,(09):91-106.

[10] Wu C P, Di T. Intellectual property rights enforcement, corporate innovation and operating performance: Evidence from China’s listed companies[J]. Economic Research Journal,2016,51(11):125-139.

[11] Chen D, Ren X G, Xie X J. Development of Big Data, Innovation Ecology and Quality of Enterprise Technological Innovation-Quasi Natural Experiments Based on National Big Data Comprehensive Experimental Zones[J]. Forum on Science and Technology in China,2024, (09):79-89.

[12] Liu J B, Liu Q M. Research on the Interaction and Spatial Spillover Effects of Financial Agglomeration and Economic Growth[J]. Commercial Research,2021, (06):73-80.

[13] Shi D, Zheng Y. Empowerment Mechanism of Data Elements and Improvement of Total Factor Productivity of Enterprises: Evidence from the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone[J]. Reform, 2024, (11):1-16.

[14] Chen H B, Zhang X X. How can National Comprehensive Big Data Pilot Zone promote green transformation of cities: Based on the dual perspective of the growth rate of carbon emissions and carbon productivity[J]. China Soft Science,2024, (11):172-188.

[15] Li S X, Huang Z. Digital Economy and High quality Development: Mechanisms and Evidence[J]. China Economic Quarterly,2022,22(05):1699-1716.