How the Complexity of Knowledge Influences Carbon Lock-In

Yong Li () and Meng Shen
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Yong Li: School of Economics and Management, Northwest University, No.1 Xuefu Avenue, Chang’an District, Xi’an 710127, China
Meng Shen: School of Economics and Management, Northwest University, No.1 Xuefu Avenue, Chang’an District, Xi’an 710127, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2023, this study examines the relationship between knowledge complexity and carbon lock-in. The results indicate that an increase in knowledge complexity alleviates carbon lock-in. Heterogeneity results show that the mitigating effect of knowledge complexity on carbon lock-in is more pronounced in eastern China, areas south of the Qinling–Huaihe River, regions with higher levels of infrastructure construction, lower proportion of state-owned enterprises, areas with higher government financial science and technology expenditures. In terms of the mechanisms, knowledge complexity primarily suppresses carbon lock-in through optimization of factor allocation, enhancement of efficiency levels, and upgrading of industrial structures. Further investigations reveal that knowledge complexity exhibits a significant spatial spillover effect on carbon lock-in.

Keywords: knowledge complexity; carbon lock-in; factor allocation; efficiency improvement; structural upgrading; spatial spillover (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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