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The Value of Government Data Collection: Evidence from Central Bank Digital Currency and Corporate Patenting

delete2026-04-16
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PRE
AI
张广龙 (Guanglong Zhang)
K
Kam C. Chan *
DOI:10.1016/j.jbankfin.2026.107703delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This study demonstrates the economic value—as reflected in corporate patents—of expanding the ability of a government to collect firm data through adopting a central bank digital currency (CBDC). By exploiting the Chinese government’s staggered rollout of the electronic yuan (e-CNY), we find that firms in pilot cities increase their patent filings more than those outside pilot cities. Finer-grained data generated by the e-CNY and collected by the government enable policymakers to target firm subsidies, tax incentives, and credits with greater precision, thereby promoting patenting. The resulting patents translate into firms’ having greater product differentiation, productivity, sales growth, and profitability, which signal improved firm competitiveness. The effects are stronger for firms that leave richer digital footprints. Our findings illustrate how fintech-sharpened “visible hands” can stimulate the real economy, while underscoring the imperative for robust administrative and legal frameworks to govern public data collection and its responsible use.
Keywords:
Central Bank Digital Currency
Government Data Collection
Corporate Patenting
Fintech
Policy Precision

Journal

J
JOURNAL OF BANKING & FINANCE
IF:
3.8
Papers:
65
Citations:
0

Organization

S
Sun Yat-sen University
Scholars:
3.7K
Papers: 1.1K
Citations: 1.6W
S
Shanghai Business School
Scholars:
298
Papers: 448
Citations: 481
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