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Green innovation, executives’ environmental awareness, and corporate value chain upgrading

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  • Zhang, Fan
  • Li, Shaodong

Abstract

This study examines the relationship and mechanisms between internal green innovation and value chain upgrading in A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2023. The findings reveal that green innovation significantly enhances corporate value chain upgrading. This effect is more pronounced in firms with strong operational performance and a higher degree of digital transformation. Furthermore, corporate green innovation drives value chain upgrading by strengthening executives’ environmental awareness and reinforcing internal control and management efficacy. As environmental uncertainty intensifies, the positive impact of green innovation on value chain upgrading becomes even more substantial.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Fan & Li, Shaodong, 2025. "Green innovation, executives’ environmental awareness, and corporate value chain upgrading," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 86(PD).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:86:y:2025:i:pd:s1544612325018562
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.108602
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance

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