The impact of digital technology innovation on industrial sulfur dioxide emissions reduction: An empirical analysis

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a major air pollutant, with industrial activities being the primary source of SO₂ emissions. We posit that digital technology innovation (DTI) plays a crucial role in reducing industrial SO₂ emissions. To explore this hypothesis, we first conduct a theoretical analysis, followed by an empirical study using data from 297 cities in China spanning 2003 to 2023. The findings are as follows: (1) DTI can significantly reduce industrial SO₂ emissions, and this conclusion remains robust after conducting robustness checks and addressing endogeneity issues. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that DTI can achieve industrial SO₂ emission reductions through two pathways: promoting cleaner production and enhancing end-of-pipe treatment. (3) This paper examines the heterogeneity of the mechanisms through which DTI reduces industrial SO₂ emissions reduction, using the Environmental Kuznets Curve as a framework.