Effect of media attention on corporate green technology innovation: mechanism and evidence from China

This study explores the effect of media attention on corporate green technology innovation. It uses the green patent application data of listed companies in China’s heavy polluting industries between 2006 and 2020, with negative media coverage as a proxy variable for media attention, and employs a staggered difference-in-differences model. The results demonstrate that negative media coverage significantly and positively affects corporate green technology innovation. The mechanism analysis results show that negative media coverage drives green technology innovation through consumer purchasing choice pressure. The role of negative media coverage in promoting corporate green technology innovation is more apparent in regions with a high level of marketization and strong environmental protection intentions among residents. State-owned enterprises and those adopting proactive environmental strategies primarily manifest the positive impact of negative media coverage on green technology innovation. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the role of media attention on corporate governance by introducing green technology innovation and new insights for guiding policymakers and managers to effectively implement green innovation.