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Sustainable futures: What's driving France's eco-revolution?

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  • Ali, Kishwar
  • Zhang, Qingyu
  • Appio, Francesco Paolo

Abstract

This study explores the interplay between industrial robot adoption, green bonds, climate patents, and economic governance in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of energy consumption (GIEC) in France. Using advanced econometric methodologies, including Kernel Regularized Least Squares and Bayesian Neural Networks, we analyze quarterly data from 2008 to 2019 to uncover both direct and moderating effects. The findings reveal that industrial robots, green bonds, and climate-focused patents significantly reduce GIEC, while household energy consumption has an adverse effect. The moderating role of economic governance in France is pivotal; amplifying emissions from green finance and technology, while curbing those from household energy use, emphasizing the need for targeted, environmentally aligned governance strategies. Sensitivity analyses confirm these patterns across alternative specifications. By revealing the sector-specific channels through which technology, finance, and governance jointly deliver—or derail—decarbonisation, the study sharpens ecological modernisation theory and equips managers and policymakers with an integrated, evidence-based blueprint for aligning industrial efficiency, green finance, and institutional reform to meet national and Paris-Agreement climate goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali, Kishwar & Zhang, Qingyu & Appio, Francesco Paolo, 2025. "Sustainable futures: What's driving France's eco-revolution?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:219:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525003154
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124284
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