Green Technology Innovation Research Articles

Impact of Digital Economy on Carbon Emissions and Its Mechanism: Evidence from China

Advancing the digital economy while curbing carbon emissions is essential for fostering high-quality economic growth. Based on China’s provincial panel data from 2011 to 2021, this study adopts an empirical model to investigate the direct influence of digital economic development on carbon emissions and utilizes both a mediating effects model and a moderating effects model to explore the transmission mechanism of green technological innovation and the moderating effect of R&D investment. The research results indicate that the following: (1) The digital economy contributes to carbon emissions reduction. (2) The analysis of heterogeneity demonstrates that the impact of the digital economy on carbon emissions is pronounced in the eastern and central regions of China but is insignificant in the western provinces. Furthermore, the carbon mitigation effect of the digital economy is more potent in regions with high marketization compared to those with low marketization. (3) The mediation effect analysis shows that green technology innovation plays a transmitting role between the digital economy and carbon emissions reduction. (4) The moderating effect test reveals that R&D investment enhances the digital economy’s ability to reduce carbon emissions. The conclusions highlight the need to optimize digital economy development and strengthen green technology innovation to achieve carbon emissions reduction.

Job destruction or job creation?: Evidence from carbon emission trading policies

Based on the panel data of 285 cities in China from 2007 to 2019, this paper constructs a theoretical framework to analyze the employment effect of carbon emission trading policy, and quantitatively evaluates the effectiveness, decomposition effect and influence mechanism of carbon emission trading policy on employment based on PSM-DID method. The study shows that the carbon emissions trading policy has a positive impact on the level of urban employment while producing significant environmental governance effects, and that its positive impact on employment in the pilot cities stems from the negative effect of reducing employment destruction rather than from the positive effect of increasing the job-creating effect. Carbon emissions trading policy promotes employment in the pilot cities through structural transformation effects, specifically through the three paths of green technology innovation, energy structure optimization and industrial structure upgrading. At the same time, the impact of the policy on employment varies significantly across cities of different locations, sizes and resource endowments. The study proposes that the construction of the national carbon market should be accelerated, a market-oriented green technology innovation system should be constructed, the optimization of the energy structure and the upgrading of the industrial structure should be promoted, and training in employment skills should be strengthened. The theoretical analysis of this study provides a theoretical basis for the micro-mechanism of carbon emissions trading policy, and the empirical results provide practical reference for the change of employment structure and the high-quality development of employment.

Thriving through innovation: Boosting green tech performance in China's new energy sector

In response to the challenges of sustainable development, green technological innovation (GTI) is considered as a key driver of high-quality growth. However, current research often lacks a comprehensive assessment of GTI's multidimensional performance and rarely explores improvement pathways from a structural perspective. This study evaluates the GTI performance of China's new energy sector using data from 62 listed companies between 2015 and 2021, employing a Back Propagation (BP) neural network model optimized by a genetic algorithm. Additionally, it explores performance enhancement paths through fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). The findings indicate that: Industrial structure and human resource levels significantly boost GTI performance in the new energy sector; Optimizing and upgrading industrial structures plays a crucial role in GTI improvement; High Research and development (R&D) investment and human capital strengthen market competitiveness, leading to higher GTI levels; The development of GTI in the new energy sector exhibited a general upward trend, with notable differences across sub-industries and regions from 2015 to 2021. Based on these results, this study recommends differentiated industry support, targeted regional policies, and enhanced talent cultivation to improve GTI performance in China's emerging energy industry.

Moderating role of technological turbulence between green product innovation, green process innovation and performance of SMEs

Innovation in green technologies is a key factor propelling Jordanian sustainable development in the small and medium enterprises for achieving sustainability. Jordan is considered as a hub of small and medium enterprises, however, despite technological advancements and the efforts of the government, small and medium enterprises in Jordan are scarcely catering the aspect of green activities and researchers have paid less attention towards the same. Green product and green process innovation mode choices have drawn enough attention recently, but limited researchers have thoroughly examined the pathways through which green innovation is transmitted to small and medium enterprises’ performance. Green product and process innovation are the two main streams of green innovation that can enhance small and medium enterprises’ performance. The current research builds the framework for SMEs performance based on green product innovation and green process innovation following earlier research that have been conducted in the context of developed countries. It conducts an empirical analysis using responses of 384 manufacturing sector small and medium enterprises in Jordan. The findings demonstrate that small and medium enterprises can perform better when green products and processes are innovated. One significant moderating variable over the performance paths of small and medium enterprises is technological turbulence. The findings of the research contribute to a better understanding of green innovation and have implications for designing policies that promote green development.

Can “ Zero waste city” policy promote green technology? Evidence from econometrics and machine learning

The promotion of green technology innovation (GTI) is regarded as an effective way to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development. The “Zero waste city” construction pilot policy (ZWCP), is an important policy for the promotion of waste management, and the achievement of sustainable development and circular economy. The paper explores the effect of ZWCP on GTI using the difference-in-differences model and machine learning. The result shows that ZWCP significantly promotes GTI. In addition, causal forest modeling, a type of machine learning method, similarly validates this result. The mechanism effect suggests that ZWCP promotes GTI by increasing research expenditure and enhancing informational development. The heterogeneity effect suggests that ZWCP is more powerful in promoting GTI when it is implemented in western, low administrative level, and resource-based cities. The paper provides a reference for waste management policies and development of GTI in other countries.

Fintech’s role in carbon emission efficiency: dynamic spatial analysis

Against the backdrop of digitization and global warming, fintech plays a crucial role in accelerating the growth of green finance, driving innovation in the financial industry, and catalyzing the low-carbon transformation of economic activities. This paper utilizes city panel data from 2007 to 2019 to examine the direct impact of fintech on carbon emission efficiency (CEE), the transmission channels of green technological innovation and green finance, and the spatial spillover effects, using dynamic panel models, mediation effect models, and dynamic spatial Durbin models (SDM). The study finds that: (i) Fintech significantly improves CEE, and this conclusion remains robust after accounting for potential endogeneity issues and conducting robustness tests. (ii) Mechanism analysis reveals that green finance and green technological innovation are the primary channels through which fintech influences CEE. (iii) Results from the dynamic SDM model indicate that fintech has a significant positive spatial spillover effect on CEE, with the long-term spillover effect being smaller than the short-term spillover effect. (iv) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that fintech’s improvement effect on CEE is mainly evident in eastern regions, emerging first-tier and first-tier cities, and non-resource-based cities. Our research provides new insights for policymakers on achieving China’s dual-carbon goals through the promotion of fintech development, green finance, and green technological innovation. It also aids in the coordinated development of fintech among cities and the formulation of differentiated policies, providing a theoretical foundation and empirical support for future research.

Digital finance and green technology innovation: A dual path test based on market and government

This paper examines the impact of digital finance on green technological innovation from the dual perspectives of market and governmental. Our findings suggest digital finance significantly fosters green technological innovation through mechanisms such as market factor flows and environmental regulation performance. Further examination indicates that digital finance may lead to a "patent bubble trap". Heterogeneity analysis suggests that promoting government data openness and strengthening intellectual property protection can amplify the positive impact of digital finance on green technological innovation. This paper provides valuable insights into enhancing the functionality of digital finance and promoting the green transformation of the economy.

Green Supply Chain Technology Innovation and Enterprise Synergy in the Context of Sustainable Development: Challenges and Strategie

This study explores the synergistic development between technological innovation and enterprises in green logistics supply chains from the sustainable development perspective. The study first introduces the latest progress of China's environmental policies and technological innovation and analyses the importance and necessity of green logistics supply chain management. Subsequently, through case studies and theoretical research, this paper discusses the policies and regulations of green supply chain management, collaborative management among enterprises, and the development path of technological innovation. It further analyses the contents of policies and regulations, enterprise collaboration management, and technological innovation in green logistics supply chain management. It proposes strategies and suggestions to solve problems by combining cases and theories. Finally, this study summarises the development status of green logistics supply chain management. It looks forward to future development trends, emphasizing that more enterprises should strengthen cooperation to jointly promote green logistics supply chains, environmental protection, and sustainable economic and social development.

Research on the Impact Mechanism of ETS on Green Innovation in China’s High-Carbon Industries: A Perspective of Enterprise Heterogeneity

Green technology innovation is an important driving force for low-carbon development of enterprises. As a market-based environmental policy to promote greenhouse gas emission reduction, whether carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) can encourage enterprises to carry out green technology innovation under the background of “dual carbon” goal deserves further research. Taking Chinese A-share listed enterprises in the five major sectors as samples, this study constructed a modified Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to test the causal effect of ETS on green innovation in high-carbon industries. Three significant results can be summarized from the empirical study. Firstly, the ETS has a significant promoting effect on green innovation of high-carbon enterprises. And it can effectively promote high-carbon enterprises to achieve an average of a 13.24–19.56% increase in low-carbon innovation capabilities. Secondly, enterprises with different characteristics have heterogeneity in the impact of ETS implementation on green innovation. Secondly, the implementation of ETS exerts heterogeneous effects on green technology innovation across enterprises that possess diverse characteristics. Enterprises with a large capital scale (low equity concentration) have a more significant promoting effect than those with a small capital scale (high equity concentration). Thirdly, the green innovation effect of ETS exhibits significant heterogeneity across different types of industries. In the mining, manufacturing, and construction sectors, the ETS has effectively stimulated green innovation to a certain extent. There has been no significant change in green innovation in the sector of electricity, heat, gas, and water production and supply. In particular, after the implementation of the ETS, green innovation has actually been weakened in the transportation sector. As such, for policy makers, differentiated ETS policies should be implemented based on the actual situation of different industries and types of carbon-emitting enterprises.

The Levels of Government Environmental Attention and Enterprises’ Green Technological Innovation

This study utilizes data from listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2010 to 2023 and employs text analysis methods to investigate the impact of government environmental concerns on corporate green technology innovation and its underlying impact mechanisms. The empirical findings demonstrate that heightened government environmental concerns significantly foster corporate green technology innovation. This relationship remains robust across a series of sensitivity analyses. The impact mechanism analysis reveals that increased government environmental concern leads to a heightened intensity of environmental regulation, drives the intelligent transformation of enterprises, and enhances the implementation of corporate environmental strategies, collectively contributing to the improvement of corporate green technology innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis indicates that the effect of government environmental concerns is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises, mature enterprises, and industries with lower pollution levels. This study underscores that the government’s intensified focus on environmental issues can effectively promote corporate green technology innovation, thereby promoting sustainable economic and social development and supporting the dual goals of environmental protection and economic growth.

Unleashing the power of green fiscal policies: Driving energy efficiency in China

This study examines the impact of such policies on energy efficiency by focusing on the “National Comprehensive Demonstration of Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Fiscal Policy” (ESER fiscal policy). Using a difference-in-difference method with multiple time points, the study finds that the ESER fiscal policy has significantly closed the total factor energy efficiency (TFEE) gap. The results are robust, supported by sensitivity analyses such as variable substitutions, dynamic effect tests, exclusion of potential intervening variables, placebo tests, and propensity score matching. Mechanism analysis shows that the pilot program closes the energy efficiency gap by increasing expenditure on environmental protection, improving agglomeration of productive services, and promoting of green technological innovation. Furthermore, the impact of green fiscal policies on TFEE is more pronounced in cities within two-control areas, non-old industrial base cities, large-scale cities, and resource-depleted cities. The analysis of the energy rebound effect found that green fiscal policies can effectively close the energy efficiency gap without generating energy rebound. These findings provide valuable insights and empirical evidence on the effectiveness of China's green fiscal policies in achieving green development, improving quality and efficiency.

Stimulating innovation or enhancing productivity? The impact of environmental regulations on agricultural green growth

A comprehensive understanding of the impact of environmental regulations on agricultural green growth is crucial for formulating appropriate policy designs and achieving effective climate change mitigation. This study, based on the Porter Hypothesis framework, aims to propose our hypotheses in the influence of environmental regulations on agricultural green growth. This study first utilizes the Super-SBM model combined with the global Malmquist-Luenberger index to measure agricultural green growth in G20 countries. Subsequently, the study analyzes the impact of environmental regulations on agricultural technological innovation and green growth, highlighting variations among countries with different development levels. The results indicate: (1) Significant differences exist in agricultural green growth among G20 countries, generally exhibiting an increasing trend. (2) Environmental regulations have a significant impact on both agricultural green growth and agricultural technological innovation, but the effects of different types of environmental regulations are various. Furthermore, different conclusions are observed for countries with heterogeneous development levels. (3) There is a lag effect in the impact of environmental regulations on agricultural green growth and technological innovation, highlighting the importance of pre-establishing an environmental policy framework. (4) An inverted U-shape relationship exists between environmental regulations and agricultural green growth, while no such relationship is found in agricultural technological innovation.

Research on the Impact of Labor Resource Allocation on Green Technology Innovation

Facing increasingly severe environmental pollution and resource scarcity, China has accelerated its pace of green and low-carbon transformation. Green technological innovation helps economic development by reducing ecological pollution and lowering resource consumption. As an important factor of production for social development, the labor force plays a very significant role in optimizing the economic development structure of our country and achieving high-quality leapfrog development. This article explores the relationship between the allocation of labor resources and green technology innovation based on the aforementioned practical motivations, from both theoretical mechanisms and empirical perspectives. Using provincial panel data from China between 2000 and 2021, a spatial Durbin model was constructed to empirically test the spatial spillover effects of labor resource allocation on green technology innovation and to draw relevant conclusions. Subsequently, to further investigate the heterogeneous impact of labor resource allocation on green technology innovation, China was divided into three major regions—eastern, central, and western—and empirical model tests were conducted on separate samples. The following conclusions have been drawn: Over time, during the 22 years from 2000 to 2021, China's overall labor resource allocation has shown an overall upward trend; China's green technology innovation capability has significantly improved, but regional development is uneven, with a large gap in development between the eastern, central, and western regions; through the study of the spatial Durbin model on the impact of labor resource allocation efficiency on green technology innovation, the results indicate that labor resource allocation has a significant main effect and spillover effect on green technology innovation, meaning that the improvement in labor resource allocation efficiency will promote the increase in the level of local green technology innovation, while the decline in labor resource allocation efficiency will inhibit the increase in the level of local green technology innovation; the impediment effect of the decline in labor resource allocation efficiency on regional green technology innovation varies significantly across different regions, with the central region being the most prominent, followed by the western region, and then the eastern region. Based on the conclusions, the following suggestions are made: Regions should strengthen cooperation and exchanges to promote the coordinated development of green technology innovation. Eastern provinces and cities with a higher level of green technology innovation should lead the surrounding provinces and cities with weaker development, actively engage in cooperation and exchanges in infrastructure and green technology, and establish a more orderly and open green technology trading market, thereby promoting the coordinated development of green technology innovation between regions; adopt market-oriented approaches to remove barriers to the autonomous and orderly flow of labor factors. Give the market a decisive role in resource allocation, reasonably play the role of the government, promote the rational and orderly flow of capital and labor resources between regions, and improve the efficiency of resource allocation.

Unveiling the synergy: Green finance, technological innovation, green energy, and carbon neutrality.

This study investigates the pivotal role of green strategies in achieving carbon neutrality by exploring the synergistic contributions of green finance, green technological innovation, and green energy adoption. The study has implemented several panel data estimation techniques including second generation panel unit root test commonly known as CADF and CIPS, an error correction-based panel cointegration test, for documenting the elasticities of GF, GTI, and GE on carbon neutrality through Continuously-Update Fully Modified[CUP-FM], Continuously-Update Bias-Corrected [CUP-BC], and Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression [DSUR]. The asymmetric coefficients have exploded with the implementation of a nonlinear framework, which is well known as NARDL. Our findings underscore the significance of green finance mechanisms in mobilizing resources for sustainable initiatives, including renewable energy projects and energy-efficient technologies. Study shed light on the catalytic impact of green Technological innovation in driving technological advancements, reducing emissions, and fostering economic growth. Furthermore, our study delves into the transformative potential of clean energy adoption, elucidating how it can substantially reduce carbon footprints and bolster the transition to a low-carbon economy. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the critical nexus of green strategies and carbon neutrality, offering a roadmap for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. In a world grappling with the pressing challenges of climate change, our research offers valuable insights into the strategies that institutions, policymakers, and businesses can employ to facilitate the transition toward carbon neutrality.

Impact of dual pilot policies for low-carbon and innovative cities on the high-quality development of urban economies

<p style="margin-top:16px; text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Based on the panel data of 276 cities in China from 2005 to 2021, the article used a multi-period double-difference model to explore the impact of the dual-pilot policy of low-carbon cities and innovative cities on the high-quality development of urban economy. The study found that (1) the implementation of the dual-pilot policy significantly had significantly promoted the economic high-quality development of the pilot cities, and the dual-pilot policy had a more significant effect on the enhancement of urban economic high-quality development compared with the single-pilot. (2) The mechanism analysis showed that green technology innovation, industrial structure adjustment and entrepreneurial activity played a mediator role in the impact of the dual-pilot on the high-quality development of the urban economy. (3) The spatial effect showed that the dual-pilot policy not only promoted the high-quality economic development of the region, but also had a positive spillover effect on the high-quality economic development of the neighbouring regions. (4) The heterogeneity analysis showed that the dual-pilot policy promoted the high-quality economic development of the eastern cities, large-scale cities, and non-resource-based cities more strongly.This study enriches the research on the impact of policy synergy on high-quality economic development, and provides references and insights for the effective implementation of dual-pilot policies and the promotion of high-quality urban economic development.</span></span></p>

How do e-government and green technology innovation affect carbon emissions: Evidence from resource-rich countries in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The global challenges related to climate change and carbon emissions are constantly escalating. It is important to explore the factors that affect carbon emissions in countries rich in natural resources. However, the nexus among natural resources, e-government, green technology innovation, and carbon emissions has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, this study explores the impact of the above three dependent variables on carbon emissions using data from five resource-rich SCO countries spanning from 2000 to 2022. This study further controls the quality of the institution and GDP. Unlike existing studies, it introduces an innovative interaction term between e-government and green technology innovation. The cross-sectional enhanced distributed hysteresis (CS-ARDL) method was employed for the analysis. The findings indicate that natural resources and GDP positively contribute to carbon emissions, while institutional quality and the interaction between green technology innovation and e-government have a negative impact. In the short run, green technology innovation has a non-significant impact on carbon emissions, while e-government has a positive impact. However, in the long run, both green technology innovation and e-government have a negative impact on carbon emissions. These findings suggest that promoting the simultaneous development of e-government and green technology innovation can help reduce carbon emissions. The paper is of great significance for further promoting the construction of e-government. In addition, the paper is of great reference value for policymakers in launching carbon reduction policies.

Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Sustainable Performance: A Dual Mediated-moderated Analysis of Green Technology Innovation And Big Data Analytics Capability Powered by Artificial Intelligence

Background This study aims to empirically test a comprehensive interrelationship between green supply chain management (GSCM), green technology innovation (GTI), waste management (WM), big data analytics capability powered by artificial intelligence (BDAC-AI), and their collective impact on sustainable performance (SP) in organizational contexts. Methods This study was conducted in Pakistan’s food processing sector. The respondents included 495 managers working in the food processing industry. A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach is used to examine direct and indirect relationships between the variables. The originality of this study lies in integration of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and dynamic capability theory (DCT) to understand sustainable practices in the context of the provided model. Results This study highlights that GSCM, GTI, WM, and BDAC-AI have positive, strong, and direct impacts on SP. Furthermore, GTI and WM only partially mediate the link between GSCM and SP, whereas the two moderate the link. In addition, BDAC-AI had a moderating effect on the relationship between GTI and SP. This study has managerial implications, including strategies that involve the use of theoretical frameworks for technological acceptance and dynamic capabilities to support sustainable initiatives. However, it is worth noting that the findings provide a practical contingency for managers and businesses interested in implementing green studies effectively, improving technologies, and strengthening sustainable performance capabilities. Conclusions The study extends the literature by establishing a model for operationalizing GSCM in the food processing sector. Furthermore, it adds value in that it first integrates TAM and DCT to explain sustainable operations and their impact on organizations. Furthermore, it extends the existing literature by establishing a relationship between GSCM and SC. It offers a model through which GSCM can be operationalized in the context of the FS sector.

Managerial green foresight and corporate green technology innovation

ABSTRACT Under the strategic orientation of sustainable transformation, managerial green foresight (MGF) is the cornerstone of corporate ability to operate sustainably. However, the effect of MGF on corporate green technology innovation (GTI) is understudied. We measure MGF using textual analysis of Management Discussion and Analysis, and draw on principal–agent theory to explain its positive effect on GTI. Furthermore, this effect is more pronounced for firms with higher levels of analyst coverage. These arguments are supported by a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms. An important managerial insight is that the incremental gains in GTI can be achieved by enhancing MGF.

Research on energy saving effect of spatial correlation network of digital infrastructure: based on the analysis of network centrality.

Accurately portraying the spatially linked network characteristics of digital infrastructure and exploring its energy-saving effects are highly valuable for enhancing the synergy in digital infrastructure development and expanding its network spillover effects on energy conservation. This paper uses panel data at the city level in China and employs a modified gravity model to calculate the centrality of digital infrastructure spatial correlation network nodes. Based on this, an econometric model is constructed, incorporating variables such as digital infrastructure spatial correlation network node centrality and urban green total factor energy efficiency. The model is used to analyze the effects and transmission paths of digital infrastructure network node centrality on urban green total factor energy efficiency. The analysis yields the following conclusions: (1) Digital infrastructure spatial correlation network node centrality significantly improves urban green total factor energy efficiency, with considerable variability due to city geographic location, city scale, and city attributes. (2) Nonlinear testing results indicate that as digital infrastructure construction advances, its impact on urban green total factor energy efficiency shifts from inhibitory to promotional. (3) The impact mechanism shows that digital infrastructure node centrality enhances urban green total factor energy efficiency through green technology innovation. Additionally, it promotes advanced industrial structures and reduces capital mismatch, further influencing energy efficiency. (4) Digital infrastructure node centrality not only boosts urban green total factor energy efficiency but also facilitates regional convergence, increasing the convergence rate from 0.094 to 0.170%. The findings of the research offer policy guidance for the government on advancing digital transformation initiatives and enhancing energy efficiency.

Study on the influence degree of marine ranching on the high-quality development of coastal cities

As an innovative approach to fisheries, marine ranching is subtly transforming the development patterns of coastal cities through the enhancement of fisheries, the professional transition of fishermen, and the restoration of the marine environment. Utilizing the entropy method and the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) method, this paper calculated the high-quality development index (HQDI) of 53 coastal cities from 2010 to 2021 and assessed the influence degree of marine ranching on coastal cities' HQDI. The key findings were as follows. Firstly, marine ranching generally improved the HQDI of coastal cities. Coastal cities with national marine ranching demonstration zones achieved an average increase of approximately 0.83 % in their HQDI compared to those without. Secondly, through the effect of carbon emission reduction, marine ranching contributed to an average increase of approximately 0.84 % in the HQDI. However, the green technology innovation and industrial structure upgrading effects have yet to materialize. Thirdly, this impact varied among coastal cities. When the number of marine ranching exceeded three, the average increase of HQDI was approximately 1.82 %. This effect was pronounced in higher-tier cities, with first-tier cities experiencing an average increase of 1.26 %, second-tier cities an average increase of 1.19 %, and third-tier cities an average increase of 2.18 %. Furthermore, this effect was significant in northern coastal cities, where the average increase was approximately 0.98 %. In coastal cities with low levels of manpower and material resources, this effect was also pronounced, with the HQDI increasing by an average of about 1.01 % and 0.98 %, respectively. Lastly, the spatial econometric analysis revealed a positive spatial spillover effect. This paper evaluated the effectiveness of China's recent marine ranching construction, providing a theoretical and empirical foundation for authorities to formulate targeted policies and measures.