The Impact of Intelligent Manufacturing on Green Total Factor Productivity in the Lithium Industry: A Dual Perspective Based on Intrinsic Motivation Incentives and Extrinsic Pressure Drives

Intelligent manufacturing has become a new driving force for the comprehensive green transformation and development of the lithium industry, representing both an intrinsic requirement and a strategic direction for promoting high-quality development in the sector. This study examines whether intelligent manufacturing can effectively enhance the green total factor productivity of the lithium industry from the dual perspectives of internal motivation and external pressure, based on relevant data from Chinese A-share listed lithium companies between 2010 and 2023. The study finds that: (1) Intelligent manufacturing can significantly enhance the green total factor productivity of the lithium industry. (2) Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the level of regional environmental regulations and the intensity of green competition within the industry are positively correlated with the extent of improvement in the lithium industry’s green total factor productivity. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that intelligent manufacturing influences green total factor productivity through two pathways: green technological innovation and ESG disclosure. Furthermore, the intrinsic incentive effect of green technological innovation is stronger than the extrinsic pressure driven by ESG disclosure. (4) Further analysis reveals that the “Intelligent Manufacturing Pilot Project” policy and the “Comprehensive Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development” policy provide strong support and driving force for the intelligent manufacturing and green development of the lithium industry.