The Impact of Digital Transformation on Green Innovation: An Empirical Analysis Based on the Mediating Effect of ESG Performance

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmsd.202512130

Author(s)

Xi Zhang

Affiliation(s)

Hebei University of Geology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China

Abstract

Driven by the "Dual Carbon" goals and sustainable development requirements, digital transformation has emerged as a core mechanism driving corporate value transition by enabling green innovation. This study investigates the pathways through which corporate digital transformation (DT) influences green technology innovation (GTI) via environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Leveraging longitudinal datasets of SSE and SZSE mainboard-listed enterprises (2018-2023), we conduct regression analysis and mediation effect tests to examine the direct impact of DT on GTI and the mediating role of ESG performance. Key findings include:(1) DT significantly enhances GTI, where digital technologies improve resource utilization efficiency and accelerate green technology R&D;(2) DT positively impacts corporate ESG performance through enhancing environmental stewardship, reinforcing social accountability practices, and elevating governance integrity;(3) ESG performance acts as a partial mediator between DT and GTI, indicating that firms with advanced ESG management systems more effectively translate digital capabilities into green innovation advantages.

Keywords

Digital Transformation; ESG Performance; Green Innovation; Mediating Effect

References

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