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The innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer from the perspective of carbon emission reduction demand: A case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China

Author

Listed:
  • Zefeng Mi
  • Zhixin Qiu
  • Gang Zeng
  • Can Zhou
  • Lei Ye

Abstract

Reducing carbon emissions is the only way to solve the global climate problem, which obviously requires the joint efforts of all regions. From the perspective of carbon emission reduction demand, this research obtains the data of low‐carbon patents and CO2 emissions from 2000 to 2019, and then explores the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). We draw the following conclusions: (1) Low‐carbon technology transfer has a positive impact on low‐carbon technology innovation. However, a large number of low‐carbon technology transfers are concentrated between developed regions in the YREB at present. (2) No matter from the perspective of total amount or efficiency, carbon emission reduction demand can play positive moderating role in the process of exerting the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer, indicating that the transfer of low‐carbon technologies to regions with high demand is efficient. (3) The moderating effect of carbon emission reduction demand in different regions has regional heterogeneity. Carbon emissions per unit of GDP plays a greater role in moderating the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer in the eastern region, while CO2 emissions plays a greater role in the central and western regions. Therefore, we propose to strengthen the transfer of low‐carbon technologies between developed and less‐developed regions, and adopt differentiation strategies according to the actual situation of each region. Our research has deepened the understanding of environmental economic geography on the innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer, and has reference significance for global low‐carbon technology cooperation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zefeng Mi & Zhixin Qiu & Gang Zeng & Can Zhou & Lei Ye, 2023. "The innovation effect of low‐carbon technology transfer from the perspective of carbon emission reduction demand: A case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(2), pages 625-648, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:growch:v:54:y:2023:i:2:p:625-648
    DOI: 10.1111/grow.12670
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    1. Jianwei Xu & Shuxin Liu, 2024. "Current status, evolutionary path, and development trends of low-carbon technology innovation: a bibliometric analysis," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(9), pages 24151-24182, September.
    2. Fu, Mengyu, 2025. "Can low-carbon technology transfer accelerate energy efficiency convergence," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 333(C).
    3. Zhang, Chonghui & Wang, Cong & Jin, Huanhuan & Xu, Mo & Balezentis, Tomas & Agnusdei, Leonardo, 2025. "The impact of green finance on energy transition and carbon emission targets: Exploring the double threshold and spatial spillover effects among the regions," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 1-10.

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