The green innovation spillover effect of enterprise digital transformation: Based on supply chain perspective

In the process of constructing green supply chains, how to incentivize suppliers to participate in green innovation is the main challenge. This paper investigates whether digital transformation of customers (CDT) can enhance green innovation of suppliers (SGIT) based on the theoretical framework of resource dependence theory and digital empowerment theory. Paired data of Chinese A-share listed companies and their major customers from 2010 to 2020 are used in this study. The conclusions show that: (1) CDT can significantly enhance SGIT. For economic significance, CDT contributes to an 18 % increase in green patent applications of suppliers. The conclusion remains robust after a series of tests. (2) The main influence mechanisms include: a) increasing the demand for green innovation (DE), and b) facilitating the spillover of digital technologies (SP). (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that: CDT can more significantly drive SGIT in samples with higher customer concentration. (4) The effect of CDT on SGIT is more significant for suppliers with lower uncertainty and less environmental pollution. (5) The impact of CDT on SGIT is more significant in samples where customers and suppliers are geographically closer. The findings enhance the understanding of digital transformation and offer some insights for promoting green innovation.