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Digital empowerment, industry chain integration and corporate energy efficiency

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  • Jing, Peng
  • Li, Shuohan
  • Wang, Minglu

Abstract

Digitalization leverages information technology, data analytics, and intelligent manufacturing to improve corporate management capabilities. Using data from Chinese A-share listed companies and employing a fixed-effects model, this study investigates the impact of digital empowerment on corporate energy efficiency and explores the catalytic role of industry chain integration. The findings indicate that digital empowerment significantly boosts corporate energy efficiency, with stronger effects observed in non-state-owned, high-tech, and low-pollution enterprises, as well as those located in eastern regions. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that digital empowerment fosters specialization and division of labor and improves supply chain coordination, underscoring industry chain integration as a key mediator. This study provides insights into advancing corporate digital transformation while emphasizing the importance of industry chain integration in optimizing resource allocation and reducing energy consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing, Peng & Li, Shuohan & Wang, Minglu, 2025. "Digital empowerment, industry chain integration and corporate energy efficiency," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:145:y:2025:i:c:s0140988325002701
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108446
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