Performance-Based Budgeting and Corporate Innovation: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China

This paper exploits a quasi-natural experiment to investigate the relationship between performance-based budgeting (PBB) and corporate innovation in China. The findings indicate a significant rise in patent applications and patents granted among firms headquartered in provinces that have adopted PPB. The increase is particularly pronounced for firms in provinces facing higher fiscal pressure and stronger government audits. The positive impact of PBB on corporate innovation is considerable for corporates with state-owned attributes and high financial constraints. The mechanisms of government fiscal transparency, research and development subsidies, and tax incentives are supported. Additional analyses indicate that the current PBB in China shows limitations in covering the governmental fund budget comprehensively. Moreover, in regions with increased government spending on science and technology, the influence of PBB on corporate innovation is significantly more pronounced. Collectively, the evidence implies that PBB can serve as a catalyst for corporate innovation.