Regional synergy between green technology innovation and low carbon development in China: A quantitative study of provinces and economic belts

Abstract

As the urgency for sustainable development increases in the context of climate change, understanding the relationship between green technology innovation (GTI) and carbon emissions reduction is crucial. This study investigates the synergistic effects of GTI and low-carbon development across 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2023. Utilizing the entropy method, we analyze regional disparities in GTI and its impact on low-carbon outcomes. Our findings indicate that eastern coastal provinces, such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang, exhibit strong synergies between GTI and low-carbon development, while central and western provinces face significant challenges due to lower innovation capabilities. Additionally, GTI promotes carbon emissions reduction through enhanced technological innovation. The results suggest that implementing differentiated support policies for GTI can significantly reduce carbon emissions in high-polluting industries. Furthermore, our analysis shows that low-carbon city pilot programs make a substantial contribution to lowering the carbon emission growth rate of high-polluting enterprises. This research provides practical recommendations for policymakers to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance green technology initiatives, ultimately contributing to the transition of China and other regions or countries toward a sustainable and low-carbon economy.