Data Element Level and International Breadth——Empirical Research Based on Chinese DMNEs

The vigorous development of the digital economy around the world has given rise to the rise of digital multinational enterprises(DMNEs). Using data as the main production factor has become an important feature that distinguishes them from traditional multinational companies. Its different factor structures guide us to examine internationalization from a new perspective --- an important issue for multinational companies. Based on the data of 458 DMNEs listed in China from 2008 to 2022, this article empirically examines the impact mechanism of data elements of DMNEs on the international breadth and the mediating role of production enablement and resource allocation optimization. The study found that data elements have a positive impact on production enablement and resource allocation optimization, and both have a positive impact on promoting the international breadth of DMNEs. Mechanism analysis found that data elements can improve the total factor productivity and resource allocation efficiency of enterprises, achieve production empowerment and resource allocation optimization. Furthermore, it creates favorable conditions for the expansion of the international breadth of DMNEs.