Is enhanced information and communication technology efficiency a powerful weapon for carbon unlocking? The case of China

Congyu Zhao (), Kangyin Dong () and Xiucheng Dong ()
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Congyu Zhao: University of International Business and Economics, School of International Trade and Economics
Xiucheng Dong: University of International Business and Economics, School of International Trade and Economics

Annals of Operations Research, 2025, vol. 355, issue 1, No 21, 599-625

Abstract: Abstract The development of the information and communication technology sector in recent years has injected vitality into the economy and society, and may also be crucial for low-carbon transformation. This paper uses the slacks-based measure-data envelopment analysis model to evaluate the efficiency of the information and communication technology sector. Then by employing the instrumental variable generalized method of moments method, this paper investigates the impact of information and communication technology efficiency on carbon lock-in based on a balanced panel dataset in China for the period 2002–2017. We also conduct heterogeneous analysis by dividing the whole sample into two parts according to their information and communication technology efficiency level. Further, this paper detects the possible moderator in the nexus between information and communication technology efficiency and carbon lock-in, as well as the potential impact mechanisms. Our paper makes four important findings: (1) Enhanced information and communication technology efficiency can be a powerful weapon to hamper carbon lock-in and realize carbon unlocking; (2) The carbon lock-in reduction effect of information and communication technology efficiency is more pronounced in provinces with above-average levels of information and communication technology efficiency; (3) Green development efficiency can not only inhibit carbon lock-in, but also strengthen the impact of information and communication technology efficiency on carbon lock-in reduction; (4) Carbon efficiency and technological innovation are two significant and effective mediators in the nexus between information and communication technology efficiency and carbon lock-in. Based on these findings, we propose some suggestions for enhancing information and communication technology efficiency and quicker carbon unlocking solutions.

Keywords: Carbon lock-in; Information and communication technology efficiency; Moderating effect; Mediating effect; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C33 H21 O32 P28 Q55 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10479-023-05475-3

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