Innovation at the nexus of technology and sustainability: CEO leadership and digital transformation in China

IF 3.3 2区社会学 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Sustainable Futures Pub Date : 2025-02-21 DOI:10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100494

Muhammad Kaleem Khan , Phool Hussain , Muhammad Jameel Hussain , Kathy Michael

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In response to escalating environmental issues, firms are urgently pursuing advanced technologies for sustainability and green innovation (greenovation). This study aims to examine the impact of digitalization on green innovation performance in Chinese firms, in light of China's growing digital economy and increasing environmental awareness. Furthermore, the study examines the moderating influence of diverse CEO characteristics on the relationship between digitization and green innovation. This study analyzes panel data comprising 21,764 firm-year observations from Chinese publicly traded companies (2008–2022) via the lenses of resource-based theory and agency theory. Research indicates a favorable correlation between digitization and green innovation, especially among experienced, well-educated, politically connected, and female CEOs. The research provides significant theoretical perspectives and practical applications for improving green innovation methods. The strong findings endure thorough validation, highlighting digitization as a crucial facilitator of corporate greenovation. These ideas are essential for navigating the realm of digital technologies about sustainability, especially in fast developing economies such as China.

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来源期刊

Sustainable Futures Social Sciences-Sociology and Political Science

CiteScore

9.30

自引率

1.80%

发文量

审稿时长

71 days

期刊介绍： Sustainable Futures: is a journal focused on the intersection of sustainability, environment and technology from various disciplines in social sciences, and their larger implications for corporation, government, education institutions, regions and society both at present and in the future. It provides an advanced platform for studies related to sustainability and sustainable development in society, economics, environment, and culture. The scope of the journal is broad and encourages interdisciplinary research, as well as welcoming theoretical and practical research from all methodological approaches.