Digital transformation and financing constraints: evidence from Chinese manufacturing multinational enterprises

Abstract In light of recent global economic uncertainties and technological advancements, it has become crucial to build new competitive advantages for Chinese manufacturing enterprises in the international arena, with the impact of their digital transformation efforts being particularly significant. This research addresses a pressing need to understand how digital transformation can be strategically utilized to overcome financial barriers for Chinese manufacturing multinational enterprises. Using data from Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies between 2011 and 2023, the study reveals that digital transformation can effectively ease financial constraints faced by these manufacturing multinational enterprises through reducing information asymmetry and enhancing innovation capability. Moreover, the depth of the internationalization strategy enhances the positive effects of digital transformation on financing constraints, whereas a broader international presence tends to substitute these benefits. Additional analysis shows that digital transformation as a whole, irrespective of the specific focus area, effectively alleviates financing constraints, delivering consistent benefits across all continents. Notably, compared to non-multinational Chinese manufacturing firms, multinational manufacturing companies experience a greater alleviation of financing constraints through digital transformation. The study concludes that digital transformation is a vital tool for reducing financial barriers in multinational manufacturing firms. These findings will contribute to the broader discourse on digitalization in emerging markets and offer practical implications for business strategy and financial management in the digital age.