Navigating uncertainty: The impact of economic policy on corporate data asset allocation

Abstract

In the digital economy era, the role of data assets in creating new value for companies has become increasingly prominent, while economic policy uncertainty is also a key factor influencing corporate decision-making. This study examines whether economic policy uncertainty affects the allocation of corporate data assets. It finds that increased economic policy uncertainty raises operational risks for high-tech companies, leading to increased data asset allocation, while for low-tech companies, increased operational costs and risks reduce data asset allocation, though higher operational risks may compel them to increase data asset allocation. Additionally, internal corporate factors also influence data asset allocation to some extent; companies in good financial standing with ample technological reserves are more inclined to increase their data asset allocation. This paper reveals the internal mechanism by which economic policy uncertainty affects corporate data asset allocation, providing a basis for low-tech companies to transition from traditional business models to digital enterprises and for strategic planning by high-tech companies.