High quality imports and green innovation

To examine the effect of high quality imports on green innovation, this research employs a time-varying difference-in-differences (DID) technique. Our analysis suggests that high quality imports promote green innovation in China. Heterogeneity analysis results show a different impact of high quality imports on green invention patents and green utility model patents. In a further study of the moderating effect, we find that environmental governance strengthens the impact of high quality imports on green innovation. Finally, we conduct a mechanism test and note that the promotion of innovation by high quality imports is achieved through R&D investment.