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Independent R&D or technology imports? The induced innovation effects of energy intensity constraints

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  • Ge, Tao
  • Hao, Zixuan
  • Dai, Dongyu

Abstract

This study investigates the innovation effects of energy intensity constraints by disaggregating corporate innovation into independent R&D and technology imports. Utilizing a sample of A-share listed enterprises from 2006 to 2020 matched with manually collected city-level energy intensity targets across 284 Chinese cities, we employ a two-way fixed effects model. The results reveal that enterprises prioritize technology imports over independent R&D, although energy intensity constraints simultaneously stimulate both innovation modes. State-owned and high-tech enterprises demonstrate stronger innovation responses compared with their non-state-owned and non-high-tech counterparts, with the former group preferring independent R&D and the latter group prioritizing technology imports. Meanwhile, energy intensity constraints promote independent R&D through government support while inducing technology imports via market competition. Additionally, further analysis suggests that technology imports exert stronger positive impacts on corporate short-term profitability whereas independent R&D possesses greater promoting effects on corporate long-term sustainability. This research offers significant policy implications for leveraging energy conservation policies to promote corporate innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ge, Tao & Hao, Zixuan & Dai, Dongyu, 2025. "Independent R&D or technology imports? The induced innovation effects of energy intensity constraints," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:83:y:2025:i:c:s0160791x25001848
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102994
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy

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