Research on the mechanism by which digital transformation peer effects influence innovation performance in emerging industries: A case study of China’s photovoltaic industry
2025

Digital Transformation Peer Effects in China's Photovoltaic Industry

Sample size: 150 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Zhang Aiqin, Guo Xiaoqiang, Zhang Wenjie, Liu Zhangliang

Primary Institution: School of Economics and Management, North University of China, Taiyuan, China

Hypothesis

How do digital transformation peer effects influence innovation performance in the photovoltaic industry?

Conclusion

The study found that regional peer effects positively impact innovation performance, while industry-specific peer effects negatively affect it.

Supporting Evidence

  • Regional peer effects in digital transformation positively impact innovation performance.
  • Industry-specific peer effects negatively impact innovation performance.
  • The digital transformation peer effect enhances innovation performance primarily through absorptive capacity.
  • Marketization level and executive tenure moderate the relationship between peer effects and innovation performance.

Takeaway

This study looks at how companies in the solar energy industry can learn from each other to be more innovative, but sometimes following others can actually hurt their creativity.

Methodology

The study used data from 150 photovoltaic companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2022 to analyze the impact of digital transformation peer effects on innovation performance.

Limitations

The study focuses on the first-period lags of digital transformation peer effects, and longer-term effects require further investigation.

Participant Demographics

Photovoltaic companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0313615

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