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Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Green Innovation: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China

Author

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  • Chunyan Zhao

    (School of Economics and Finance, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Linjing Wang

    (School of Economics and Finance, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Against the backdrop of addressing global climate change, whether the new generation of information technology, centered on artificial intelligence (AI), can promote comprehensive green transformation and achieve the “dual carbon” goal has become an important issue in China’s national development strategy. The research objective of this paper is to explore the causal relationship between AI and green innovation (GI). In this study, we conduct a quasi-natural experiment using the National New Generation Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Development Pilot Zone (NAIPZ). On the basis of data from A-share-listed companies from 2013 to 2022, we use a staggered difference-in-difference model to study the impact and mechanism of AI on corporate GI. Research results show that AI can improve the GI of enterprises. Mechanism analysis results show that AI promotes GI in enterprises by improving internal governance and optimizing human capital, while industry competition can increase the promotion effect of AI on GI. Heterogeneity analysis results indicate that the promotion effect of AI on GI is particularly prominent in the eastern region, high-tech industries, and non-state-owned enterprises. This study addresses the important question of whether the NAIPZ can promote GI in enterprises, thereby providing empirical evidence and policy references for accelerating the integration and development of AI and GI in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Chunyan Zhao & Linjing Wang, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Green Innovation: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2455-:d:1609809
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    1. Zhi Wang & Mei Xue & Yunlei Luo, 2025. "How Does the National New Generation AI Innovation and Development Pilot Zone Impact Corporate Labor Investment Efficiency? Evidence From China," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(4), pages 21582440251, December.
    2. Meng Li & Yang Xu, 2025. "The Impact of Computing Infrastructure Construction on Innovation in Manufacturing Enterprises: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on the Establishment of China’s National Supercomputing Centers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Guan, Tong & Zheng, Rui & Chen, Aoyun, 2026. "Artificial intelligence and corporate energy consumption: The policy effects of the new-generation artificial intelligence innovation and development pilot zones," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 148-164.
    4. Shiheng Xie & Jiaqi Ji & Yiran Zhang & Shuping Wang, 2025. "How Does Industrial Intelligence Enhance Green Total Factor Productivity in China? The Substitution Effect of Environmental Regulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-31, September.
    5. Hao, Linxiao & Yuan, Jinyu & Deng, Siwei & Zhi, Zhonghe, 2026. "Research on artificial intelligence enabling green development from the perspective of enterprise green innovation," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    6. Kang, Shikang & Shang, Yu, 2025. "How artificial intelligence drives industrial digitalization and greening synergies? Evidence from China's AI innovation and development pilot zones," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).

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