How the Digital Transformation of Chinese Traditional Manufacturing Enterprises Drives Green Innovation: A Moderated Mediation Model

Yutong Sun, Meili Zhang (), Chenggang Wang and Mingmin Li
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Yutong Sun: School of Economics and Management, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China
Meili Zhang: School of Economics and Management, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China
Chenggang Wang: School of Economics and Business Administration, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150001, China
Mingmin Li: School of Economics and Management, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-28

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.

Keywords: digital transformation; exploitative learning; exploratory learning; green innovation; innovation appropriability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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