Abstract
ABSTRACT Using Chinese provincial data from 2000 to 2016, this paper investigates the effect of informal environmental regulation (IER) on industrial structure upgrading. We find that IER in the form of environmental media coverage acts as an external binding force and spurs the upgrading of industrial structure through increasing the dual pressure of local government supervision and public opinion. A mechanism test shows that IER can boost regional innovation, thereby promoting the upgrading of industrial structure. Moreover, the positive association between IER and industrial structure upgrading is more prominent in regions with stronger environmental law enforcement and higher public environmental awareness. We also document that IER has a significant informational spatial-diffusion effect and has characteristics of a double-threshold effect. Overall, our results highlight that it is necessary to establish a system for disclosing environmental information and to improve the mechanism whereby independent third parties such as the media participate in environmental governance.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
