The connection between digital transformation and the innovation potential of Chinese commercial organizations of various ownership types

Subject. Features of the digital transformation process in China, its impact on the economic performance of state-owned and private enterprises. Objectives. An empirical evaluation of the nature and strength of the relationship between digital transformation and the innovation potential of Chinese companies. Methods. Mathematical analysis tools were applied. Results. State-owned enterprises are characterized by a higher intensity of scientific research, but digital tools partly replace traditional forms of research activities. For private companies, such a substitution effect has not been observed. Conclusions. The form of ownership acts as an important institutional moderator of innovation activity. The results obtained can be taken into account when developing differentiated digitalization strategies, considering the institutional characteristics of enterprises.