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The Impact and Mechanism behind the Effect of a Digital Economy on Industrial Carbon Emission Reduction

Author

Listed:
  • Gang Zhou

    (School of Economics, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Jiaxin Gao

    (School of Economics, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Yao Xu

    (Business School, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266520, China
    Business School, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Yi Zhang

    (Business School, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266520, China)

  • Hao Kong

    (Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Coast and Island Management Technology, Fujian Institute of Oceanology, Xiamen 361013, China)

Abstract

Digital technologies hold significant potential for addressing environmental issues, such as air pollution and rising global temperatures. China is focusing on accelerating the dual transformation of industrial greening and digitization to accomplish the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and sustainable economic growth. By combining a two-way fixed effect model, a mediated effect model, and a panel threshold model, this research endeavors to explore the effect that the expansion of the digital economy has on the level of carbon emission intensity that is produced by industry. The research yielded the following primary conclusions. (1) The digital economy effectively reduces the industrial carbon intensity via three distinct mechanisms: enhancements to the technological and innovative capacities of China, improvements in energy efficiency, and enhancements to the country’s overall industrial structure. (2) Regions where industrialization and digitization are highly integrated and developing, as well as the early pilot regions of the Comprehensive Big Data Pilot Zones, are particularly susceptible to this inhibitory effect. This research offers a theoretical backing for advancements in the digital economy; the achievement of energy-saving and carbon-reducing sustainable development objectives; and the establishment of green, ecologically friendly, and recycling development strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gang Zhou & Jiaxin Gao & Yao Xu & Yi Zhang & Hao Kong, 2024. "The Impact and Mechanism behind the Effect of a Digital Economy on Industrial Carbon Emission Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5705-:d:1428536
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Luyang Tang & Bangke Lu & Tianhai Tian, 2023. "The Effect of Input Digitalization on Carbon Emission Intensity: An Empirical Analysis Based on China’s Manufacturing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-22, February.
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    3. Lyu Jun & Shuang Lu & Xiang Li & Zeng Li & Chenglong Cao, 2023. "Spatio-Temporal Characteristics of Industrial Carbon Emission Efficiency and Their Impacts from Digital Economy at Chinese Prefecture-Level Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-17, September.
    4. Menggen Chen & Songyangyang Zhao & Jiawen Wang, 2023. "The Impact of the Digital Economy on Regional Carbon Emissions: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-34, October.
    5. Zhou, Xiaoyong & Zhou, Dequn & Wang, Qunwei & Su, Bin, 2019. "How information and communication technology drives carbon emissions: A sector-level analysis for China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 380-392.
    6. Shuangcheng Luo & Yangli Yuan, 2023. "The Path to Low Carbon: The Impact of Network Infrastructure Construction on Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-20, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ling Huang & AL-Barakani Abdo & Nadeem Aljonaid, 2025. "Digital Transformation and Carbon Reduction in Chinese Industrial Enterprises: Mediating Role of Green Innovation and Moderating Effects of ESG Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-25, April.
    2. Gang Zhou & Li Zhang & Yao Xu & Lewei Hong & Yi Zhang, 2025. "The Digital: A Catalyst for Accelerating the Quality Improvement and Sustainable Development of China’s Marine Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-28, October.

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