Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes, Macao, China.
BMC Geriatr. 2024 Aug 24;24(1):705. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-05217-5.
Although a number researchers have acknowledged that the aging population inhibits firm digital transformation, others find it promoting digital transformation in some firms. As the relevant literature to clarify such paradox is still scare, this paper wants to fill the gap regarding the labor cost theory, the capital-skill complementarity hypothesis, and the human capital externality theory. Based on the empirical tests of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2001 to 2022, this study detected a U-shaped relationship between the aging population and digital transformation. In terms of the institutional environment, higher marketization strengthens the U-shaped relationship by making the slopes on either side of it steeper. However, higher minimum wage levels weaken the U-shaped relationship. In terms of firm strategy, firms with stronger marketing capabilities strengthened the U-shaped relationship. However, firms with higher customer concentration weakened the U-shaped relationship. Overall, we enriched scholarly understanding of the impact of the aging population on digital transformation and demonstrated the dual potential impact of aging populations. Instead of assuming they are detrimental to the economy and society, positive contributions in the form of innovation and progress for companies can be detected.
尽管一些研究人员承认人口老龄化抑制了企业的数字化转型，但也有一些研究人员认为人口老龄化在某些企业中推动了数字化转型。由于澄清这种悖论的相关文献仍然稀缺，本文希望填补劳动力成本理论、资本技能互补性假说和人力资本外部性理论方面的空白。基于对 2001 年至 2022 年中国 A 股上市公司的实证检验，本研究发现人口老龄化与数字化转型之间存在 U 型关系。在制度环境方面，较高的市场化程度通过使两侧的斜率更加陡峭，加强了 U 型关系。然而，较高的最低工资水平削弱了 U 型关系。在企业战略方面，营销能力较强的企业加强了 U 型关系。然而，客户集中度较高的企业削弱了 U 型关系。总的来说，我们丰富了学术界对人口老龄化对数字化转型影响的理解，并展示了人口老龄化的双重潜在影响。我们不应该假设人口老龄化对经济和社会不利，而应该发现企业在创新和进步方面的积极贡献。
