FinTech and rural household entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship activities play an important role in economic growth and job creation. Based on China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey data in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020, and combing it with the financial technology (FinTech) Index, this study explores the impact of FinTech on rural household entrepreneurship using the Logit and IV estimations. The empirical findings highlight the significant role of FinTech in promoting rural household entrepreneurship. The mechanism analysis shows that FinTech positively modulates the relationship between formal finance and rural credit constraints, thereby fostering rural entrepreneurship. Notably, the impact of FinTech on entrepreneurship is particularly pronounced in areas with lower urbanization levels, indicating a greater potential for promoting entrepreneurship in less economically developed regions. Therefore, this study recommends expanding the coverage of FinTech to encourage rural household entrepreneurship and accelerate efforts towards rural revitalization.