Tech-driven governance for sustainability: enhancing environmental disclosure through corporate governance and innovation in emerging market

As global environmental concerns intensify, firms face increasing pressure to improve transparency in sustainability reporting. This study explores the impact of corporate governance on Environmental Footprint Disclosure (EFD) in BRICS manufacturing firms, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked moderating role of technological innovation. Grounded in Stakeholder Theory and Legitimacy Theory, the study provides theoretical insights into how firms use governance mechanisms and technology to respond to stakeholder demands and maintain corporate legitimacy in sustainability practices. Using a dataset of 441 high-pollutant manufacturing firms from 2010 to 2022, this study applies robust econometric techniques to analyze how governance structures influence EFD. The findings reveal that board size, CEO duality, board tenure, board independence, and foreign directors enhance EFD, while board gender diversity and board age diversity show no significant impact. Notably, the study highlights the novel role of technological innovation in strengthening governance effectiveness, improving environmental transparency by enhancing data accuracy, reducing information asymmetry, and supporting regulatory compliance. This research is significant in demonstrating how technology can bridge governance gaps, enabling firms in emerging economies to meet rising environmental expectations. The practical implications suggest that corporate boards should integrate sustainability expertise, policymakers should incentivize digital environmental reporting, and investors should demand stronger EFD commitments from firms. By highlighting the intersection of corporate governance, technological innovation, and sustainability, this study contributes to the understanding of how firms can drive more accountable corporate environmental practices and advance global sustainability goals.