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Talent Introduction Policies, Optimal Labor Allocation, and Corporate Green Innovation

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  • Xin Wang

    (Institute of Food and Strategic Reserves, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Youshuai Feng

    (Institute of Sustainable Development, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China)

  • Long Qian

    (Institute of Food and Strategic Reserves, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Fusheng Liang

    (Institute of Food and Strategic Reserves, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China)

Abstract

Under the “dual carbon” strategy, innovation driving has become the core force for corporate green transformation, with human resources, a key element of green innovation, increasingly gaining attention. This study utilizes data from A-share listed companies to evaluate the impact of China’s urban talent introduction policies on corporate green innovation, focusing on the three dimensions of green product, process, and management innovation. The results reveal that urban talent introduction policies significantly promote corporate green innovation in three areas: green product innovation, green process innovation (end-of-pipe pollution control), and green management innovation. The influx of high-quality talent and optimization of the labor structure represent vital pathways for achieving this impact. Different talent types play different roles in different dimensions of green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that talent introduction policies have a stronger promoting effect on the green innovation performance of large enterprises, technology-intensive industries, and enterprises in relatively weak regional economies. For enterprises with public–private partnerships, talent admission policies have a more pronounced impact on their green product innovation and process innovation (end-of-pipe pollution control). Furthermore, the impact of talent policy on corporate green innovations in products and processes varies with the intensity of local government intervention. This study emphasizes the key role of talent introduction policies in promoting green innovation, providing theoretical foundations and policy references for implementing sustainable development strategies and environmental protection objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Wang & Youshuai Feng & Long Qian & Fusheng Liang, 2025. "Talent Introduction Policies, Optimal Labor Allocation, and Corporate Green Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:3:p:1112-:d:1579987
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    References listed on IDEAS

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