Intelligent transformation and manufacturing enterprise development

Abstract

This thesis examines the development and impact of intelligent manufacturing transformation in China through two complementary analyses. First, using detailed assessment data from manufacturing enterprises, we evaluate firms’ intelligent manufacturing capabilities across eight dimensions, identifying significant variations and key challenges in system integration, talent development, and advanced technology adoption. Second, leveraging China's Intelligent Manufacturing Demonstration Project as a quasi-natural experiment, we use a difference-in-differences approach to analyze its impact on listed manufacturing firms. Our results show that participation in the project significantly enhances intelligent transformation, leading to increased profit rates and innovation output, primarily driven by government subsidies and R&D investment. These findings provide insights into the determinants of successful digital transformation and offer practical implications.