Green Innovation Research Articles

Can Open Government Data Improve City Green Land-Use Efficiency? Evidence from China

This study adopted the double difference method to study the effect of open government data (OGD) on city green land-use efficiency (CGLUE). It was found that opening government data had a significant promotional effect on CGLUE, and a number of robustness tests were the foundation for this finding. A mechanism analysis demonstrated that two key avenues via which government data openness can promote CGLUE are raising public awareness of environmental issues and strengthening urban green innovation potential. A heterogeneity analysis found that the effect of government data openness on CGLUE was more obvious in eastern cities, cities with higher levels of digital finance, and non-resource-based cities. In addition, open government data also reduced urban carbon emissions while improving CGLUE, contributing to China’s “double carbon” goal.

Are Good Deeds Rewarded?—The Impact of Traditional Morality and Modern Responsibility on Green Innovation

The essence of intergenerational sustainability emphasizes the necessity of incorporating altruistic thinking and culture. While prior studies primarily examined corporate innovation strategies from a self-interested lens, this paper aims to investigate the drivers of corporate green innovation from an altruistic perspective. Analyzing a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2019, we employ both the OLS model and the mediation effect model to explore how traditional morality and modern responsibility impact corporate green innovation, as well as the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Our findings reveal that both traditional morality and modern responsibility significantly enhance corporate green management innovation, with social trust serving as a key mediating factor. Furthermore, traditional morality and modern responsibility play distinctive roles depending on the stage of economic development: traditional morality primarily influences green innovation in the early stages of economic development, whereas modern responsibility becomes more influential as development progresses. This study provides meaningful insights for research and practice in corporate sustainability, business ethics, and innovation strategy.

Impact of regional environmental non-governmental organization density on green innovation and firm value

Impact of regional environmental non-governmental organization density on green innovation and firm value

Carbon Footprint Accounting and Verification of Seven Major Urban Agglomerations in China Based on Dynamic Emission Factor Model

Amidst the prevailing trends in environmental conservation and the imperatives of energy conservation and emission reduction, the precision in assessing and forecasting carbon emissions has acquired heightened significance. The conventional emission factors, typically derived from historical data and empirical knowledge, often remain unchanged and fail to swiftly account for the reductions in emissions that are a consequence of technological advancements and green innovations. (1) This paper establishes a dynamic emission factor model, then uses city data and provincial data to verify the model, and compares the research results of other relevant researchers. The research results show that this method not only considers the different characteristics of energy types, but also considers regional differences and industry characteristics, making the emission factor more suitable for the actual situation. The results show that the method takes into account not only the different characteristics of energy types, but also regional differences and industry characteristics, making the emission factor more suitable for the actual situation. (2) This paper systematically compares the diverse methods for calculating the carbon footprints of Chinese provinces and cities. It encompasses a spectrum of methods, including carbon footprint accounting based on emission factors, accounting based on dynamically adjusted emission factors, and accounting from the perspective of carbon sinks. Each of these methods possesses its own set of applicable scenarios and inherent limitations. The emission factor method is apt for basic carbon emission accounting, while the adjusted emission factor method is tailored for scenarios where the evolution of technology and shifts in energy paradigms are pivotal. Concurrently, the carbon sink accounting framework is optimally suited for the evaluation of the carbon footprint within the realm of natural ecosystems.

Corrigendum to “Green horizons: Synergized green technological innovation and green energy consumption on ecological degradation”

Corrigendum to “Green horizons: Synergized green technological innovation and green energy consumption on ecological degradation”

Corporate ESG Performance, Green Innovation, and Green New Quality Productivity: Evidence from China

In recent years, China has placed significant emphasis on sustainable economic and social development, actively implementing the concept of green development. In 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed that all regions should actively develop new-quality productivity, signifying a deepening of green and sustainable development principles. As an internationally recognized indicator for measuring corporate sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria may influence the enhancement of new-quality productivity across regions, particularly in relation to green new quality productivity. This paper investigates the effects of corporate ESG performance on the levels of green and new-quality productivity using data from China’s A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2022. The findings reveal the following: (1) corporate ESG performance significantly enhances the level of green new quality productivity; (2) mechanism tests indicate that corporate ESG performance enhances green new quality productivity by promoting firms’ green innovation; and (3) further analysis shows that the effect of ESG performance on green new quality productivity is more pronounced in firms with low levels of financing constraints, high media attention, and elevated green awareness among executives. These findings provide empirical evidence for strengthening corporate ESG performance, promoting green innovation, elevating regional levels of green and new-quality productivity, and advancing sustainable development, thereby offering valuable insights for developing countries.

Sustainable Manufacturing Engineering: Enhancing Product Quality through Green Process Innovations

The imperative for sustainable practices within manufacturing has become increasingly critical, driven by environmental concerns, regulatory pressures, and the evolving expectations of eco-conscious consumers. This paper investigates the role of sustainable manufacturing engineering in enhancing product quality through the implementation of green process innovations. Specifically, the study explores how sustainable manufacturing methods, including energy-efficient systems, additive manufacturing, zero-waste production, and renewable energy integration, can drive quality improvements while reducing the environmental impact of production processes. The research is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of current green innovations in the manufacturing sector, drawing on case studies of companies that have successfully balanced quality and sustainability. The findings indicate that companies adopting sustainable practices not only reduce waste and lower emissions but also experience notable gains in product durability, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation. For instance, additive manufacturing is shown to improve precision and material efficiency, while zero-waste initiatives lead to a more efficient resource cycle, which in turn supports consistent quality standards. This paper further delves into the challenges of implementing green manufacturing processes without compromising product quality, examining factors such as initial costs, technological readiness, and market adaptation. Visual data in the form of tables and graphs are presented to compare different green process innovations and their respective impacts on quality and sustainability metrics. In addition, case study summaries provide real-world examples of how leading companies have enhanced product quality through sustainable engineering approaches. This study underscores the value of sustainable manufacturing engineering as a dual-benefit strategy that can drive environmental stewardship alongside quality enhancement. The paper recommends that future research focus on the development of new, cost-effective green technologies and the application of advanced data analytics for improved process control in sustainable manufacturing. Through these efforts, the manufacturing sector can continue advancing toward a more sustainable, high-quality production paradigm.

Assessing the role of circular economy and green innovation in mitigating carbon emissions in the Visegrad countries

The shift towards a circular economy is an essential measure in achieving sustainable development because it seeks to separate economic expansion from resource use and environmental deterioration. To meet the European Union green deal, waste management, and the net zero emissions targets various countries are developing and adopting prudent strategies. This study investigates the dynamic affiliation between circular economy (CIR), green innovation (INV), renewable energy (REE), economic progress (GDP), and urbanisation (URB) on carbon emissions (CO2) in the Visegrad (V4) countries, comprising the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Using the CS-ARDL technique and quantile regression, data curation from 1990-2022 was analysed after checking for cross-sectional, unit root, and cointegration. The outcome demonstrates that circular economy, green innovation, and renewable energy had a negative effect on carbon emissions. In addition, GDP and URB had an immaterially positive influence on carbon emissions. Lastly, the quantile regression confirmed that the study provides useful information for policymakers and stakeholders in the Visegrad countries. It emphasised how important it is to take a broad approach to circular economy initiatives, support eco-friendly innovations, carry out renewable energy projects, and manage the urbanisation process well to achieve long-term economic growth and environmental health.

Customer Experience and Sustainable Development among Hostels: The Mediating Role of Green Innovation

Purpose: While customer experience (CE) is a crucial marketing concept, the expanding body of research in this area has resulted in substantial fragmentation and theoretical confusion. This is particularly evident in its relationship with other performance constructs. Additionally, little is known about how CE contributes to sustainable development (SD) in the hotel industry. To address the gaps in existing literature and contribute to theory, this study examined how CE influences SD through green innovation (GI). Methodology: It was a quantitative study, employing the cross-sectional design. Data was collected from 197 individuals in leadership/management/supervisory roles in selected hotels in Ghana, using a structured questionnaire. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was employed to estimate the hypothesised model on CE, GI, and SD. Findings: The findings showed a significantly positive direct relationship between CE and SD, and indirect relationship through GI. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study’s novelty lies in the integration of GI as a mechanism through which CE influences SD. It was demonstrated that to promote green innovation, and then sustainable development, hotels should enhance customer experience. It was thus recommended that hotels in Ghana invest in training programmes for employees to enhance their understanding of customer experience, creating positive sustainable and green practices.

Forging a path to sustainability: the impact of Fintech on corporate ESG performance

Emerging development of Fintech has raised widespread attention to its important role in shaping corporate ESG performance despite little in-depth research. We study the impact of Fintech on corporate ESG performance using a comprehensive dataset covering major China’s firms over the past decade. The Fintech development at the city level is measured via an entropy method based on information gathering from firms and households. Drawn on a panel data estimation with two-way fixed effects, our findings show that corporate ESG performance improves with Fintech development. Promotion of green innovation, mitigation of financial mismatch, and environmental uncertainty are found to serve as the three mediating channels that drive the relationship between Fintech and corporate ESG performance. The positive impact of Fintech is shown to be more pronounced in firms with non-high-tech, non-high-polluting, and labor-intensive features. Further analysis indicates that Fintech strengthens in the enterprises’ green value through perspectives of green total factor productivity and green investment.

Can audit committees’ environmental background promote corporate green innovation? Evidence from China

ABSTRACT Identifying potential driving factors for corporate green innovation is vital in promoting global green development. This study aims to examine whether the environmental background of the audit committee promotes corporate green innovation and the mechanisms involved. Based on this perspective, we empirically test a research sample of Chinese A-share market-listed companies from 2007 to 2022. The results reveal that, first, the audit committee’s environmental background can significantly promote green corporate innovation. Second, the audit committee promotes green innovation by enhancing the environmental awareness of the management, increasing substantial environmental investments, and fostering environmental compliance; this effect is more pronounced in companies characterized by significant media attention and considerable involvement of the audit committee in governance. Third, green innovation can significantly enhance economic and environmental performance, although it delays its impact on short-term economic performance. The conclusions of this study provide new empirical evidence for corporate governance optimization and green innovation, and offer decision-making insights for enterprises to implement green innovation strategies for sustainable development.

The Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Green Innovation, Environmental Performance, and Competitive Advantage

Environmental issues are increasing in importance for businesses day by day. Businesses are undergoing an environmentally focused transformation in all their activities within the value chain. Therefore, the necessity of integrating and maintaining the concept of “green” in all processes such as production, technology development, marketing, and supply chains has emerged. Topics such as environmentally sensitive production systems, green supply, and green innovation (GI) are both accepted in practice in various sectors and are examined in the literature. When the impact of green practices on the performance items of businesses is taken into consideration, it is important to examine the issue from this perspective. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on GI, environmental performance (EP), and competitive advantage (CA). Within the framework of this aim, a survey was conducted on 283 businesses producing plastic, packaging, and textile products in Gaziantep (169) and Konya (114) provinces in Türkiye. In this study, where the quantitative research method was adopted, the hypotheses established were tested by using structural equation modeling (SEM). SPSS 22.0 package program and AMOS 22.0 program were used in the analysis. Within the scope of the analysis, the measurement model (confirmatory factor analysis) was first tested. As a result of the analysis, GSCM practices have a positive impact on GI and CA; GSCM has a positive impact on EP; GI has a positive impact on CA; and EP has not a positive impact on CA. This study is significant as it examines the combined impact of GSCM, GI, EP, and CA. Also, this study is important as it is the first study to examine the impact of GSCM practices on GI, EP, and CA in Türkiye.

State‐owned equity participation and corporate green innovation: evidence from Chinese private enterprises

This study examines the influence of state‐owned equity participation on green innovation in private enterprises. Using the data of China's A‐share private listed companies between 2009 and 2021, the paper finds that state‐owned equity participation has a positive impact on corporate green innovation and this finding remains consistent and dependable after conducting a series of robustness tests. In addition, this paper also uncovers that the impact of state‐owned equity participation on corporate green innovation differed across regions, industries, and external corporate governance. The results show that the incentive impact of state‐owned equity participation on green innovation is more pronounced in private enterprises with higher levels of intellectual property protection in the region where they are located, belonging to high‐tech industries and with higher media attention. Further mechanism analysis reveals that state‐owned equity participation enhances corporate green innovation by improving the fulfilment of corporate environmental responsibility and alleviating corporate financing constraints. Overall, this study enriches the research of green innovation influencing factors from the perspective of minority state‐owned equity and can help to inspire governments to make full use of state‐owned equity to promote the green transformation of private enterprises, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the global economy.

Can urban digital intelligence transformation promote corporate green innovation? Evidence from China

Can urban digital intelligence transformation (DIT) facilitate corporate green innovation (CGI)? This research uses the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) approach to study how urban DIT, represented by the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Development Pilot Zones (AIIDPZs), affects CGI. Regression results indicate that urban DIT promotes both the quantity and quality of CGI. Mechanisms analysis reveals that urban DIT promotes CGI by facilitating digital transformation, increasing firms’ investment in R&D, and facilitating information sharing. Heterogeneity analysis shows that urban DIT has a more significant effect on promoting green innovation in non-SOEs, industries with lower pollution levels, and enterprises in regions with high intellectual property protection (IPP). This study offers new perspectives on the role of urn promoting green development and provides empirical support for policy-making.

Does government procurement affect corporate carbon emissions? Evidence from China

ABSTRACT Supply-driven government intervention policies aid firm sustainability, but do demand-driven government intervention policies impact corporate carbon emissions? This study examines the impact of demand-driven government intervention, specifically government procurement, on corporate carbon emissions using the data of listed firms from 2015 to 2021. The results uncover that government procurement decreases carbon emissions by stimulating demand-driven effects and enhancing green innovation. The enhanced effect is evident with sustainable procurement practices and a favorable institutional environment, particularly in Eastern and Central China. This study contributes to comprehending demand-side environmental governance policies and informs strategies for optimizing carbon emission control policies.

The Impact of Low-Carbon City Governance on Firm Green Innovation: An Enterprise Life Cycle Perspective

The Impact of Low-Carbon City Governance on Firm Green Innovation: An Enterprise Life Cycle Perspective

Drivers of green innovation and green acquisition: empirical evidence from the food and beverage industry

Purpose Green innovation and green acquisition are key green marketing strategies. This paper aims to explore and compare the drivers of green acquisition and green innovation strategies firms adopt. Moreover, the moderating role of top management team (TMT) sustainability commitment is investigated. Design/methodology/approach The research model used secondary data based on 1,565 firm-year observations in the beverage and food industry in the US. The two-stage control function approach was used for data analysis. Findings Media attention motivates firms to pursue both green innovation and green acquisition. The TMT sustainability commitment plays a pivotal moderating role. It strengthens the link between environmental regulation stringency and green innovation but weakens the impact of media attention on green acquisition. Practical implications Managers can leverage the study’s findings to guide sustainable marketing decisions in response to environmental regulations and media scrutiny. Policymakers and investors can encourage firms to adopt more sustainable practices, helping align corporate strategies with Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 12. Originality/value Though green innovation determinants are extensively studied, most studies rely on surveys or qualitative methods rather than secondary data. Also, as an alternative to developing in-house green technologies or products, the drivers of green acquisition remain unclear despite its growing prevalence. This study addresses both gaps in the sustainable marketing literature.

ESG performance and green innovation in commercial banks: Evidence from China.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is closely related to commercial banks' promotion of "dual-carbon" goals and the concept of sustainable development. The impact of ESG performance on commercial banks' support for green innovation remains an issue for in-depth study. This paper studies 36 Chinese commercial banks in China from 2010 to 2021 and finds that the ESG performance of commercial banks can promote green innovation, and this promotion is more obvious when bank remuneration incentives are effective. Meanwhile, this paper verifies the mediating role of the non-performing loan ratio and the Lerner index in it, which provides channel support for ESG to effectively promote green innovation development. This study enriches the existing literature on environmental, social, and governance performance and green innovation in commercial banks and provides new perspectives and directions for future research.

Fostering Environmental Performance Via Green Human Resource Management, Green Transformational Leadership, and Green Innovation in the Construction Industry of Pakistan

Fostering Environmental Performance Via Green Human Resource Management, Green Transformational Leadership, and Green Innovation in the Construction Industry of Pakistan

Green credit policy, technological innovation, and corporate financial performance: Evidence from the energy industry

Green credit policy, technological innovation, and corporate financial performance: Evidence from the energy industry