The impact of intelligent investment on corporate green innovation: Moderating effects of executive green perception and environmental regulation

Abstract

As firms increasingly invest in intelligent technologies while facing environmental pressures, it is crucial to understand the relationship between these investments and green innovation. This study aims to investigate how intelligent investment influences corporate green innovation, as well as the moderating roles of executive green perception and environmental regulation. Multiple regression analyses are employed to test our hypotheses through the use of panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies (2007–2022). According to the research findings, intelligent investment has a significant positive impact on green innovation, and this effect is further amplified by stronger executive green perception and more stringent environmental regulations. It is noteworthy that various types of firms are affected differently by this effect. State-owned enterprises and pollution-intensive industries exhibit stronger positive relationships, while non-high-tech sectors show more pronounced impacts. These findings enhance our understanding of how firms leverage technology to drive sustainable innovation, offering valuable insights for managers seeking to align tech investments with their goals of sustainability, and for legislators and administrators designing effective environmental regulations. It is recommended that policymakers take into account the establishment of regulatory frameworks that are conducive to intelligent investments, thereby fostering green innovation across various industries.