How the Digital Transformation of Chinese Traditional Manufacturing Enterprises Drives Green Innovation: A Moderated Mediation Model
Yutong Sun, Meili Zhang, Chenggang Wang, Mingmin Li
Abstract
Ecological protection and sustainable economic development are focal points of global attention. The continuous promotion of green technology during digital transformation has made green innovation essential for reducing environmental pollution and achieving sustainability. China is actively exploring new development models to mitigate environmental damage through digital transformation. This paper examines the impact mechanism of digital transformation on green innovation. It introduces ambidextrous learning as a mediating variable and innovation appropriability as a moderating variable. Additionally, it establishes a moderated mediation model grounded in organizational learning theory and innovation appropriability theory. The survey data from 155 traditional Chinese manufacturing enterprises are analyzed using hierarchical regression, bootstrap sampling, and structural equation modeling. The results indicate that digital transformation significantly boosts corporate green innovation. Both exploitative and exploratory learning act as positive partial mediators in this relationship. Furthermore, innovation appropriability further reinforces this relationship. The findings of this paper provide empirical evidence that supports the promotion of green innovation in enterprises. This evidence is essential for helping enterprises achieve sustainability and facilitate their green transformation.