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Robot adoption and corporate supply chain efficiency: Evidence from China

Author

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  • Xu, Chongchong
  • Du, Anna Min
  • Lin, Boqiang

Abstract

Amid global climate policy shifts, enhancing supply chain efficiency has become a vital channel for renewable energy manufacturers to maximize financial returns and cultivate sustainable competitive advantages. Despite growing literature on manufacturing automation, limited empirical evidence exists on whether robot adoption affects supply chain efficiency in this strategically important sector. Leveraging micro-level data from China's renewable energy manufacturing industry, this study employs a two-way fixed effects model to examine the impact and mechanisms of robot adoption on corporate supply chain efficiency. The findings reveal that: (1) robot adoption significantly enhances supply chain efficiency in renewable energy manufacturing enterprises; (2) inventory management optimization, technological advancements, and transaction cost reduction serve as the primary mechanisms; (3) the positive effects of robot adoption on supply chain efficiency are more pronounced in large-scale enterprises, export-oriented enterprises, and those located in regions with higher levels of marketization. These findings underscore the financial potential of automation investment in improving operational efficiency and value chain performance. Finally, this paper concludes with targeted policy recommendations to support supply chain optimization and guide smart manufacturing investment decisions in the renewable energy sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Chongchong & Du, Anna Min & Lin, Boqiang, 2025. "Robot adoption and corporate supply chain efficiency: Evidence from China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:94:y:2025:i:c:s0927538x25002951
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2025.102958
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    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development

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