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The role of robot adoption in reducing firms’ nature dependence: Evidence from China

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  • Li, Zijun
  • Huang, Minghao

Abstract

As biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation accelerate globally, corporate dependence on nature has emerged as a critical sustainability risk. Using data on Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2010 to 2023, we examine whether industrial robot adoption reduces firms’ reliance on ecosystem services. We find that robot adoption significantly lowers nature dependence, and this effect survives endogeneity corrections and extensive robustness checks. Mechanism tests reveal two channels: robots promote source-control green innovation that curbs resource use and pollution at the origin, and reduce emission intensity, thereby lowering demand for environmental purification services. The effects are strongest for provisioning, waste treatment, water regulation, and disaster protection services, but limited for climate regulation and soil protection. Cross-sectional heterogeneity shows that the reduction is more pronounced among firms with higher initial nature dependence, stronger managerial environmental awareness, green institutional investors, and intense product market competition. Our findings provide micro-level evidence that intelligent manufacturing technologies can facilitate corporate green transformation and mitigate nature-related risk exposure.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Zijun & Huang, Minghao, 2026. "The role of robot adoption in reducing firms’ nature dependence: Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:97:y:2026:i:c:s1544612326003429
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2026.109812
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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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