Industrial Internet and entrepreneurial innovation attention allocation

Purpose This study investigates the impact of the industrial internet on entrepreneurial innovation attention allocation and explores the underlying transmission mechanisms. By examining how this technological shift reshapes innovation priorities, this study contributes to the literature on innovation governance and entrepreneurial strategic focus in the context of digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of A-share listed firms from 2012 to 2023, we apply text analysis to corporate annual reports to quantify entrepreneurial innovation attention. Based on the quasi-natural experiment of China's Industrial Internet pilot program, we adopt a staggered difference-in-differences model to identify causal effects. Findings The empirical results demonstrate that the Industrial Internet program significantly enhances entrepreneurs' innovation attention, which is channeled through intensified industry competition, increased external attention, and reduced information asymmetry. Furthermore, the effect is more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, highly digitalized firms, and enterprises located in the eastern region. Originality/value This study provides a new theoretical perspective linking industrial internet development to entrepreneurial innovation attention. We validate specific market and informational mechanisms through which technology-driven disruption reorients managerial attention toward innovation, offering valuable insights for innovation policy and corporate strategy in the digital era.