How Local Talent Introduction Policies Influence Enterprise Innovation

Talent is the driving force behind enterprise innovation. Taking talent introduction policies as a quasi-natural experiment, this study draws on data from local talent introduction policies issued between 2016 and 2019. By leveraging the variations in the timing of policy implementation across different cities, we employ a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to empirically examine the mediating role of enterprise labor resource allocation in the relationship between talent policies and enterprise innovation. The findings indicate that local talent introduction policies significantly promote enterprise innovation. Mechanism analysis confirms that labor resource allocation acts as a mediating channel. Specifically, the implementation of these policies optimizes the labor structure within firms, enhances the overall quality and innovative capabilities of the workforce, and thereby drives improvements in firms innovation performance. These conclusions offer valuable policy insights for local governments aiming to refine talent incentive programs and implement innovation-driven development strategies. Enhancing the precision and effectiveness of talent policies through the optimization of talent resource allocation can ultimately strengthen enterprises innovative capacities.