Innovation at the nexus of technology and sustainability: CEO leadership and digital transformation in China

Abstract

In response to escalating environmental issues, firms are urgently pursuing advanced technologies for sustainability and green innovation (greenovation). This study aims to examine the impact of digitalization on green innovation performance in Chinese firms, in light of China's growing digital economy and increasing environmental awareness. Furthermore, the study examines the moderating influence of diverse CEO characteristics on the relationship between digitization and green innovation. This study analyzes panel data comprising 21,764 firm-year observations from Chinese publicly traded companies (2008–2022) via the lenses of resource-based theory and agency theory. Research indicates a favorable correlation between digitization and green innovation, especially among experienced, well-educated, politically connected, and female CEOs. The research provides significant theoretical perspectives and practical applications for improving green innovation methods. The strong findings endure thorough validation, highlighting digitization as a crucial facilitator of corporate greenovation. These ideas are essential for navigating the realm of digital technologies about sustainability, especially in fast developing economies such as China.