The Impact of Computing Infrastructure Construction on Innovation in Manufacturing Enterprises: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on the Establishment of China’s National Supercomputing Centers

This study examines the establishment of China’s national supercomputing centers as an exogenous policy shock. Utilizing data from Chinese manufacturing enterprises listed between 2003 and 2023, it applies a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to assess the impact of computing infrastructure on innovation within Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Results indicate that computing infrastructure significantly enhances manufacturing innovation, a finding that is robust across various tests. This effect is positively moderated by the internal R&D investment of enterprises and the external market share. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the enhancement effect of computing infrastructure on innovation is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, those located in the eastern region, and those with low ownership concentration. Furthermore, computing infrastructure not only boosts the quantity of innovation but also enhances its quality. This paper offers micro-level evidence for emerging countries to advance sustainable development, transformation, and upgrading of the manufacturing sector through computing infrastructure.