Samenvatting

Abstract
Digital innovation represents a novel and transformative form of innovation. This
paper examines the impact of export experience on digital innovation, considering
both technological and organizational dimensions. Using a large dataset of Chinese
listed firms, we find that firms with high initial productivity benefit from internationalization,
gaining greater opportunities and stronger incentives to engage in
digital innovation. In contrast, for firms with low initial productivity, often prioritizing
cheap labor over innovation, export experience is negatively associated with
digital innovation. Further analysis identifies the market effect, the competition effect,
and the learning effect as key mechanisms through which exporting promotes
digital innovation. Moreover, heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact
of export experience is more pronounced for non-state-owned firms, firms exporting
to developed markets, and firms engaged in ordinary rather than processing trade.
This study provides important insights for policymakers and managers aiming to
promote digital innovation in the context of globalization.