Industrial Robots and Green Productivity: Evidence from Global Panel Data on High-Quality Economic Development

Bongsuk Sung, Yu-Cheng Lin and Sang-Do Park ()
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Bongsuk Sung: Department of International Trade, Kyonggi University, Suwon-si 15442, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Yu-Cheng Lin: Department of International Commerce and Business, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Sang-Do Park: Department of International Trade, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-26

Abstract: Amid escalating concerns over air pollution and demographic shifts, industrial robots have emerged as a key solution to enhancing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and fostering economic growth. However, existing research often overlooks their role in shaping green total factor productivity (GTFP), a critical measure of environmentally sustainable economic performance. This study investigates the relationship between industrial robot applications (IRAs) and high-quality economic development (HQED) by integrating theoretical modeling and empirical analysis. Using panel data from 32 countries (16 developed and 16 developing) over the period of 1993–2019, classified according to the 2023 International Monetary Fund (IMF) standards, this study employs fixed-effects models, system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM), and threshold regression models to assess IRA-induced impacts on HQED. The findings reveal that IRAs significantly contribute to HQED, with a stronger effect observed in developing economies. Moreover, a threshold effect exists, wherein environmental regulations (ERs) mediate the effectiveness of IRAs in improving GTFP. Additionally, IRAs drive HQED through foreign direct investment (FDI) and technological innovation (TI). These results provide empirical evidence and policy insights for leveraging industrial automation to promote sustainable economic growth across different national contexts.

Keywords: industrial robot applications; green total factor productivity; high-quality economic development; environmental regulations; FDI & technological innovation (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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