Journal of Innovations in Economics & Management

This study constructs a three-dimensional indicator system encompassing digital infrastructure, digital economic competitiveness, and the innovation environment for the digital economy. Using the entropy method, we quantitatively measure the digital economy development levels of 43 countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from 2003 to 2022. The findings reveal significant disparities in digital economic development among these nations: Central and Eastern Europe exhibit relatively advanced levels, while South Asia, Central Asia, and Mongolia lag behind and require substantial improvement. Developed countries maintain a leading position in the digital economy, whereas developing countries display pronounced internal divergence. Over time, the digital economies of BRI countries generally show an upward trend, though growth rates vary significantly across nations. Based on these findings, we propose policy recommendations, including enhancing regional cooperation, narrowing the digital divide, and optimizing the policy environment, to foster coordinated digital economic development among BRI countries.

As a core strategic element for enterprises to build sustainable competitive advantages, R&D innovation plays a significant role in the construction of national innovation systems and the process of high-quality economic development. However, the phenomenon of corporate R&D manipulation has shown a gradually emerging trend. Such behavior not only undermines the authenticity of accounting information but also leads to structural imbalances in the allocation of innovation resources, thereby impairing long-term corporate innovation capabilities. Based on data from China's A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2023, this study thoroughly investigates the impact of executives' financial background on corporate R&D manipulation and its underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal that executives with financial backgrounds can significantly reduce the level of corporate R&D manipulation, and the power of the chairman positively moderates this relationship. This inhibitory effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises and regions with higher tax enforcement intensity. Mechanism analysis indicates that financially experienced executives primarily curb R&D manipulation by improving information disclosure quality and alleviating corporate financing constraints. Further research shows that the inhibitory effect of financially experienced executives on R&D manipulation can promote both the quantity and quality of corporate innovation. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the dual mechanisms of executives' professional backgrounds in R&D manipulation governance and offers micro-level support for improving corporate innovation service systems and strengthening strategic objectives such as intellectual property protection.

Against the background of high carbon emissions from global energy consumption, this study applies double difference modeling (DID) to assess the carbon emission reduction effect of the 2017 green finance reform and innovation pilot zone policy based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2003 to 2021. The results show that the green finance pilot policy significantly suppresses the carbon emission intensity of energy consumption in the pilot provinces, and the marginal downward trend of carbon emission intensity increases over time after the implementation of the policy. Mechanistically, the policy promotes the decarbonization of the energy consumption structure through the resource allocation effect of guiding the flow of funds to green industries and restricting the financing of high-carbon projects, as well as the cost reduction effect of incentivizing the innovation of financial instruments such as green bonds. Regional heterogeneity shows that the policy emission reduction effect is more significant in the central and western regions due to the urgent need for industrial transformation, while the effect is limited in the eastern region by the lock-in effect of low-carbon technology paths. Robustness tests confirm the reliability of the findings. The study suggests expanding the policy coverage, establishing a dynamic evaluation system, and strengthening the synergy between green finance and industrial policies to enhance the effectiveness of carbon emission reduction.

Guangxi, with its coastal, riverine, and border advantages, serves as a key hub for China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation. The rapid development of the digital economy has brought new opportunities for Guangxi's economic growth. Digital trade has become a prominent research topic in recent years. At the regional level, the *"Guangxi Development Plan for the ASEAN-Oriented 'Digital Silk Road' (2021-2025)"* explicitly emphasizes the construction of digital trade promotion platforms and the facilitation of digital trade channels. This study builds upon prior research to systematically review the theory and evolution of digital trade.

The paper analyzes the current state of digital trade development in Guangxi from three perspectives: digital economy growth, international trade levels, and the progress of the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone. By establishing an evaluation index system for Guangxi's digital trade development and applying the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method, the study identifies the most influential factors: digital technology (36.58%), industrial digital trade (24.06%), and digital trade infrastructure (16.69%). Based on these findings, the paper further examines the opportunities and challenges in Guangxi's digital trade development. Finally, it proposes strategies to enhance digital trade, including advancing digital technology R&D and application, strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering digital trade enterprises, and promoting the digital transformation of traditional trade businesses.

In the wave of the new era, the market supervision and management system is undergoing unprecedented changes. Information technology provides efficient and accurate data processing means for market supervision and management, and greatly improves the transparency of supervision and public participation. This paper aims to analyze the problems existing in the traditional market regulation, and further explore the significance and application of information technology in market regulation, in order to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the construction of a more scientific and efficient market regulation system.

Under the dual background of global economic integration and the construction of Hainan's FTTP, this study explores how Hainan's ports can transform policy dividends into functional competitiveness through comparative analyses of domestic port development models. The study finds that although Hainan ports enjoy the advantages of system innovation in the FTIP (e.g., ship registration reform, bonded fuel refuelling), they significantly lag behind mature ports in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta in terms of scale effect, international route density and integration of port, industry and city. Based on the system of Shanghai port opening, Ningbo Zhoushan port regional integration, Shenzhen port industry integration experience, this paper puts forward the differentiation of Hainan port breakout path: First, deepen the system innovation, explore the "Hainan" ship special supervision rules and "South China Sea Shipping Service Corridor"; Second, promote the "Hainan" ship registration reform, the "South China Sea Shipping Service Corridor"; Second, promote the "South China Sea Shipping Service Corridor". "; Second, to promote the "port + culture and tourism" integration and "bonded warehousing + offshore trade" value-added service chain; Third, to strengthen regional synergies, through the western land and sea new channel "to the sea reconstruction The third is to strengthen regional synergy, through the new western land and sea corridor "re-creation of the sea" and the staggered division of labour with the Beibu Gulf port group. The study shows that Hainan needs to build a "system-driven" development paradigm through the synergy of policy empowerment and functional iteration to provide a reference for the transformation and upgrading of small and medium-sized ports, and to help regional ports to develop synergistically under the framework of RCEP.

This study examines the impact of consumers' environmental consciousness, product quality perception, brand trust, government policy support, and brand visibility on brand loyalty and brand value within the context of eco-agricultural products. Through empirical analysis, five hypotheses were tested to determine the significance of each factor. The results reveal that Hypothesis 1 and Hypothesis 5 are supported, indicating that consumers' environmental consciousness positively influences brand trust, while brand visibility has a significant impact on brand value. Additionally, Hypothesis 3 received partial support, showing that one aspect of brand trust has a notable positive effect on brand value. Hypothesis 4 approached significance, suggesting that government policy support may positively influence brand visibility. However, Hypothesis 2 was not supported, as product quality perception showed no significant impact on brand loyalty in this study.

Overall, the findings underscore the importance of brand visibility and environmental consciousness as pivotal elements in building the brand value of eco-agricultural products. These insights offer practical implications for brands aiming to enhance their value and visibility, especially under the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability. This study provides valuable guidance for eco-agricultural brands to strategically leverage these factors, reinforcing their market position and aligning with the rising consumer demand for environmentally conscious products.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, China has made significant progress in achieving an organic integration of green transformation and high-quality development. The introduction of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concept has not only expanded the scope of green development but also provided new support for sustainable economic growth, especially after the proposal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. The guiding role of ESG investment has become increasingly prominent. As one of the key factors for corporate sustainable development, ESG performance has attracted widespread attention. Incorporating ESG factors into investment decisions and business strategies can help enhance a company's competitiveness, achieve long-term sustainable growth, and ultimately increase its overall value. This paper uses a sample of listed companies from 2000 to 2022 to empirically analyze the impact of ESG performance on corporate value. Through a literature review and empirical analysis, combined with relevant data and models, this study explores the relationship between ESG performance and corporate value in depth. The research shows that excellent ESG performance contributes to enhancing corporate value; however, in non-state-owned enterprises, there is an inverse relationship between ESG performance and corporate value. Similarly, smaller companies exhibit this reverse relationship, whereas state-owned enterprises and larger companies do not show such an association.

Tax reform in Australia has been a critical element in shaping the country’s economic and social landscape. The article explores the evolution of tax reforms in Australia, with a specific focus on historical initiatives, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2000, and ongoing efforts to address issues such as tax complexity, avoidance, and inequality. Tax reform has proven pivotal in fostering economic growth, enhancing the efficiency of resource allocation, and reducing income inequality. However, it faces challenges, including the need for simplification, addressing tax evasion, and adapting to the global economy. The paper emphasizes that future reforms should focus on improving tax transparency, ensuring fair taxation, and promoting sustainable development. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive and well-designed tax policies for securing long-term economic prosperity and social equity in Australia.

Should an enterprise account for a foreign exchange forward contract as a financial asset or a hedging instrument? How might different accounting policies impact the firm’s key financial metrics, and could these metrics imply surplus management motives? Furthermore, does this introduce heightened audit risk for auditors when reviewing derivative financial assets? These questions commonly arise in annual audits of listed companies. This paper addresses these concerns by examining the relevant provisions of CAS22 and CAS24, using Greenworks (Jiangsu) Company Limited as a case study. Through a blend of theoretical analysis and practical insights, the paper identifies specific audit risks that certified public accountants should consider when auditing financial derivatives for listed companies. Practical recommendations are also provided to help mitigate audit risks. By offering strategies for the reasonable use of financial derivatives, this paper aims to reduce the audit risks associated with hedging activities, contribute to research in the field, and support the ongoing advancement of the auditing profession.