Can urban digital intelligence transformation promote corporate green innovation? Evidence from China.
Journal:
Journal of environmental management
Published Date:
Nov 8, 2024
Abstract
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.