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Digitalization, Carbon Productivity and Technological Innovation in Manufacturing—Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Gang Li

    (School of Economics and Management, Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Sen Lai

    (School of Modern Post, Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Mengyu Lu

    (School of Modern Post, Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Yonghong Li

    (School of Economics and Management, Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Xi’an 710061, China)

Abstract

Manufacturing is one of the vital carbon emission sources in China; its carbon emission reduction and carbon productivity improvement are the keys to the successful realization of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. This paper investigates the impact of regional manufacturing digitalization on carbon productivity based on a panel data set covering 30 provinces in China over time from 2013 to 2020. We applied the mixed Ordinary Least-Squares (OLS) regression effect model and instrumental variable method, using a mediation effect model, and identified that technological innovation is the potential transmission channel of manufacturing digitalization affecting carbon productivity. The empirical results show that: (1) Digitalization of manufacturing can effectively contribute to increased carbon productivity. (2) Technological innovation plays a partial intermediary role in the impact of carbon productivity through the digitalization of manufacturing, and there is still much room for improvement. (3) Promoting the digitalization of manufacturing will promote technological innovation, which is an important influencing factor for manufacturing enterprises to enhance technological innovation. This research provides theoretical support for achieving carbon productivity in manufacturing in the context of digital development.

Suggested Citation

  • Gang Li & Sen Lai & Mengyu Lu & Yonghong Li, 2023. "Digitalization, Carbon Productivity and Technological Innovation in Manufacturing—Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:11014-:d:1193608
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Qin, Yao & Zhang, Hongmei & Liang, Wei, 2025. "Can dual-pilot policy of innovative city and carbon trading promote carbon productivity? Empirical evidence from dual-pilot city in China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    3. Xiaoshi Chen & Xiaohui Xu, 2025. "Enterprise Digital Transformation and Carbon Emission Performance: The Moderating Role of Economic Policy Uncertainty," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(4), pages 21582440251, October.
    4. Wenxiang Peng & Yutao Lei & Xuan Zhang, 2023. "Analysis of China’s High-Carbon Manufacturing Industry’s Carbon Emissions in the Digital Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-35, October.
    5. Yujiao Bai & Hao Zhang, 2024. "Research on the impact of enterprise mergers and acquisitions on technological innovation: An empirical analysis based on listed Chinese enterprises," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(11), pages 1-24, November.
    6. Jianglai Dai & Yingying Li & Xuetao Li, 2025. "Spatial Spillover Effect of Green Industrial Agglomeration on Carbon Productivity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-25, October.

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