Director Network and Corporate Digital Technology Innovation: The Role of Resource and Peer Effects

ABSTRACT This study explores how the director network (DN) influences corporate digital technology innovation (CDTI) by considering resource and peer effects. Focusing on Chinese listed enterprises, our results reveal that enterprises with higher director network centrality (DNC) achieve greater CDTI. Moreover, peers' CDTI boosts the focal enterprise's CDTI and strengthens the positive effect of DNC on CDTI. Mechanism analysis suggests that DNC enhances CDTI through promoting research and development investment and digitalisation. Furthermore, the effects of DNC on CDTI are confirmed through heterogeneity analysis of non–state–owned enterprises, non–Big4 enterprises, and enterprises in growth and mature stages.