The Impact of AI on Corporate Green Transformation: Empirical Evidence from China

Zhen-Er Jiang, Fu Huang () and Qiang Wu
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Zhen-Er Jiang: School of Business, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
Fu Huang: Department of Economics and Management, Jiangsu College of Administration, Nanjing 210009, China
Qiang Wu: Yangtze River Delta Economic and Social Development Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), its deep integration into corporate operations has become the key driver for firms to reconfigure factor resources, boost green total factor productivity, and achieve green transformation. This analysis empirically investigates the influence of AI on corporate green transformation using panel data of China’s listed companies from 2015 to 2022. This research employs a multidimensional fixed effects linear model to analyze the relationship, finding that AI significantly enhances corporate green transformation. Mechanism analysis reveals that AI promotes green transformation by enhancing firm research and development (R&D) and firm green innovation capabilities. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of AI on corporate green transformation is more significant in the eastern region, post-COVID−19, and in low-pollution industries. The impact is also significantly and positively moderated by the development of the non-state-owned economy and the development degree of product markets. These findings suggest that AI is a critical tool for promoting sustainable economic growth and green transformation in businesses.

Keywords: artificial intelligence (AI); corporate green transformation; green total factor productivity (GTFP); emphasis on firm research and development (R&D); firm green innovation capabilities; marketization (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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