Effect of Digital Transformation in Sports Companies on Green Innovation: Evidence from Listed Companies in China

Yina Zhang (), Wu Zhao and Haiman Liu
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Yina Zhang: School of Sports Economics and Management, Xi’an Physical Education University, Xi’an 710068, China
Wu Zhao: School of Marxism, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China
Haiman Liu: School of Economics and Management, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545006, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-31

Abstract: In the context of the “dual carbon” strategic goal and sustainable development, the digital transformation of sports companies has emerged as a crucial factor in overcoming barriers to green growth and addressing institutional and efficiency challenges. This study examines the mechanism by which digital transformation drives green innovation, using a sample of Chinese-listed companies in the sports industry from 2011 to 2022. Fixed effects models were employed. The study’s findings are as follows: (1) Digital transformation has a significant positive impact on green innovation, indicating that the digitalization of companies plays a crucial role in promoting green practices. (2) A mechanism analysis revealed that digital transformation facilitates green innovation by enhancing human capital and improving internal control levels. (3) A heterogeneity analysis demonstrated that stricter environmental regulations strengthen the driving effect of digital transformation. Moreover, state-owned sports companies exhibit a stronger endogenous impetus for green innovation than non-state-owned companies, driven by their alignment with national strategic planning, thus enhancing the role of digital transformation. This study contributes to the literature by offering insights into the integration of digitization and green innovation. Furthermore, it provides practical guidance and path selection for achieving coordinated digitization and green innovation in Chinese sports companies within the framework of the “dual carbon” goal.

Keywords: digital transformation; green innovation; human capital; internal control (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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