Accelerating decarbonized economic growth through net-zero entrepreneurship: Low-carbon economic development perspective

Abstract

Net-zero entrepreneurship is a novel concept introduced in the context of carbon neutrality, and exploring whether it can catalyze decarbonized economic growth is a worthy pursuit. This study constructs a comprehensive, low-carbon endogenous economic growth model to scrutinize the intricate nexus between net-zero entrepreneurship and decarbonized economic growth. Empirical validation employs a series of multiple regression models to rigorously test the hypotheses derived from the theoretical framework using an extensive dataset spanning Chinese provinces. The results reveal a nuanced landscape. (i) Net-zero entrepreneurship plays a remarkable role in promoting decarbonization growth, with considerable regional heterogeneity. (ii) Green technology progress exhibits a notable mediating effect. (iii) Environmental regulation and industrial structure optimization have positive moderating effects. (iv) The results passed alternative dependent variable and one-phase lag regression robustness tests. In a distinct contribution to entrepreneurship literature, this study augments the discourse on strategies to steer low-carbon transitions. The research findings indicate that net-zero entrepreneurship can accelerate the global decarbonization process, and green technology progress is a significant driving mechanism in this process. Additionally, it is essential to strengthen environmental agencies’ regulatory oversight and optimize industrial structures to pave the way for transformative sustainable growth. In the future, more entrepreneurs should be encouraged to engage in green technology and business model innovation to contribute to global decarbonization efforts.