What the study found
Cross-border green patents were associated with better environmental performance in host-country firms. The authors report that the positive relationship was observed in data from Chinese listed firms.
Why the authors say this matters
The study suggests that cross-border green patents can play a role in the environmental governance of host-country firms. The authors conclude that the findings may offer a reference for developing countries like China seeking to balance economic and environmental benefits.
What the researchers tested
The researchers examined the impact of cross-border green patents on environmental performance from an international perspective. They used data from Chinese listed firms and tested possible mechanisms behind the relationship.
What worked and what didn't
The empirical results suggest a positive effect of cross-border green patents on firms’ environmental performance. The mechanism tests indicate that this relationship was primarily mediated by green technological progress, executives’ green cognition, and imported green intermediate goods.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations. The findings are based on Chinese listed firms, and the stronger positive effect was reported for firms in technology-intensive industries, regions with high environmental governance priorities, and firms in maturity stages.
Key points
- Cross-border green patents were linked to improved environmental performance in host-country firms.
- The study used data from Chinese listed firms.
- The reported relationship was mainly mediated by green technological progress, executives’ green cognition, and imported green intermediate goods.
- The positive effect was stronger for technology-intensive firms, firms in regions with high environmental governance priorities, and firms in maturity stages.
- The authors say the findings may inform efforts to balance economic and environmental benefits.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Cross-border green patents improve firms’ environmental performance
- Authors:
- Shujie Yao, Zhenya Sun, Jing Fang, Yingjie Li
- Institutions:
- Liaoning University, Chongqing University, Shandong University of Technology, Hangzhou Normal University, China People's Police University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-27
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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