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Does Intelligent Manufacturing Contribute to the Enhancement of Carbon Emission Performance? Evidence from Total Factor Carbon Emission Performance

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Listed:
  • Weibo Jin

    (Business School, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266520, China
    Institute of Marine Development, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Yuqi Zhang

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

  • Yanggi Kim

    (Business School, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan 250200, China)

  • Yi Yan

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

Abstract

The deep integration of intelligent technology and the manufacturing industry is a crucial driving force for promoting green and low-carbon development, which is a key strategy for achieving sustainable development. Using panel data from 30 provinces in mainland China from 2010 to 2022, this study measures the level of intelligent development and the total factor carbon emission performance (TFCEP). Additionally, a mediating effect model is constructed to explore the impact of intelligent manufacturing (IM) on carbon emission performance (CEP) and its underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal that (1) the intellectualization of the manufacturing industry significantly enhances CEP, a conclusion that remains robust under various tests; (2) the impact of IM on CEP varies by regional geographical locations, the degree of economic agglomeration (EA), and whether the province is a low-carbon pilot area; and (3) the mechanism analysis indicates that IM improves CEP by promoting EA. Given that China is the world’s largest manufacturing country and the largest carbon emitter, analyzing the impact of its IM on CEP provides valuable theoretical insights and practical experiences for China and other manufacturing countries aiming to achieve a win–win situation of sustainable economic development and environmental improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Weibo Jin & Yuqi Zhang & Yao Xu & Yi Zhang & Yanggi Kim & Yi Yan, 2024. "Does Intelligent Manufacturing Contribute to the Enhancement of Carbon Emission Performance? Evidence from Total Factor Carbon Emission Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-24, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8443-:d:1487701
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    References listed on IDEAS

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