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Educational investment and regional economic growth: The mediating effect of financial innovation

  • Tianrui Zhao
  • , Yue Shi*
  • , Jiaxun Chen
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

Utilizing panel data spanning from 2012 to 2023 across 31 provincial administrative divisions in mainland China (with Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao excluded), this study conducts an empirical analysis to explore the interconnections among educational investment, financial innovation, and regional economic expansion. The findings reveal that educational investment exerts a substantial positive influence on regional economic growth. Furthermore, educational investment can act as a catalyst for regional economic progress by fostering financial innovation. Notably, the effects of educational investment on regional economic growth demonstrate regional heterogeneity, varying significantly across the eastern, central, and western parts of the country. Additionally, these impacts differ between regions characterized by high versus low degrees of population aging, as well as between regions with pronounced versus minimal income disparities. Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Original languageEnglish
Article number105090
JournalInternational Review of Economics and Finance
Volume107
Online published11 Mar 2026
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2026
Externally publishedYes

Research Keywords

  • Education investment
  • Financial innovation
  • Regional economic growth

Publisher's Copyright Statement

  • This full text is made available under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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