Independent R&D or technology imports? The induced innovation effects of energy intensity constraints

IF 12.5 1区社会学 Q1 SOCIAL ISSUES

Technology in Society Pub Date : 2025-06-14 DOI:10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102994

Tao Ge , Zixuan Hao , Dongyu Dai

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study investigates the innovation effects of energy intensity constraints by disaggregating corporate innovation into independent R&D and technology imports. Utilizing a sample of A-share listed enterprises from 2006 to 2020 matched with manually collected city-level energy intensity targets across 284 Chinese cities, we employ a two-way fixed effects model. The results reveal that enterprises prioritize technology imports over independent R&D, although energy intensity constraints simultaneously stimulate both innovation modes. State-owned and high-tech enterprises demonstrate stronger innovation responses compared with their non-state-owned and non-high-tech counterparts, with the former group preferring independent R&D and the latter group prioritizing technology imports. Meanwhile, energy intensity constraints promote independent R&D through government support while inducing technology imports via market competition. Additionally, further analysis suggests that technology imports exert stronger positive impacts on corporate short-term profitability whereas independent R&D possesses greater promoting effects on corporate long-term sustainability. This research offers significant policy implications for leveraging energy conservation policies to promote corporate innovation.

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自主研发还是引进技术？能源强度约束的诱导创新效应

本研究将企业创新分为自主研发和技术引进两类，考察了能源强度约束对企业创新的影响。本文以2006 - 2020年a股上市企业为样本，与中国284个城市的城市能源强度指标相匹配，采用双向固定效应模型。结果表明，尽管能源强度约束同时刺激了两种创新模式，但企业更倾向于引进技术而不是自主研发。与非国有企业和非高新技术企业相比，国有企业和高新技术企业表现出更强的创新反应，国有企业更倾向于自主研发，而非国有企业更倾向于引进技术。同时，能源强度约束通过政府支持促进自主研发，通过市场竞争诱导技术进口。此外，进一步分析表明，技术引进对企业短期盈利能力的正向影响更强，而自主研发对企业长期可持续性的促进作用更大。本研究为利用节能政策促进企业创新提供了重要的政策启示。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Technology in Society Multiple-

CiteScore

17.90

自引率

14.10%

发文量

316

审稿时长

60 days

期刊介绍： Technology in Society is a global journal dedicated to fostering discourse at the crossroads of technological change and the social, economic, business, and philosophical transformation of our world. The journal aims to provide scholarly contributions that empower decision-makers to thoughtfully and intentionally navigate the decisions shaping this dynamic landscape. A common thread across these fields is the role of technology in society, influencing economic, political, and cultural dynamics. Scholarly work in Technology in Society delves into the social forces shaping technological decisions and the societal choices regarding technology use. This encompasses scholarly and theoretical approaches (history and philosophy of science and technology, technology forecasting, economic growth, and policy, ethics), applied approaches (business innovation, technology management, legal and engineering), and developmental perspectives (technology transfer, technology assessment, and economic development). Detailed information about the journal's aims and scope on specific topics can be found in Technology in Society Briefings, accessible via our Special Issues and Article Collections.