Does the green finance policy affect the efficiency of corporate investment? Evidence from China’s green finance reform and innovation pilot zones

In the context of promoting the orderly expansion of capital investment and rational allocation of resources to achieve green and circular economic development. Green finance, as a new engine to promote the sustainability of enterprises, holds significant importance in exploring the positive effect of green finance policies on optimizing the investment decisions of enterprises and guiding them to efficiently utilize their resources to maximize value creation. Using A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2012 to 2022 as the research sample, we apply the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method to test the impact of the green finance reform and innovation pilot zones (2017) on the investment efficiency of enterprises in the pilot regions. We also adopt a two-step method to test the mechanisms of financial resource misallocation and agency costs. The study reveals that the green finance policy significantly enhances the investment efficiency of enterprises in the pilot areas. Financial resource misallocation and agency costs are important influence mechanisms. Drawing on resource allocation theory and agency theory, the study concludes that the green finance policy alleviates financial resource misallocation by directing financial resources toward high-efficiency enterprises. Moreover, the policy effectively reduces agency conflicts caused by power separation and information asymmetry, ensuring that enterprises can maximize the benefits of their investments. Heterogeneity analysis shows that non-state-owned enterprises and low-tech innovative enterprises in the pilot areas have disadvantages in terms of capital stock and loan credit, so the policy can improve their investment efficiency effectively. Based on these findings, we recommend that to leverage the positive effects of the green finance policy, it is essential to enhance the guiding role of the government, strengthen market mechanisms, and bolster corporate initiatives. This study complements the research on the economic effects of location-orientated comprehensive green finance policies on enterprises, considering the dual aspects of resource allocation efficiency and corporate governance, and makes up for the shortcomings of the existing literature. The study's conclusions offer valuable insights for enhancing green finance to support enterprises in achieving efficient production.