Structural evolution of CO2 emissions outsourcing within the global ICT multinational investment network

The rapid expansion of ICT-related multinational enterprises (IMNEs) has introduced significant challenges in emissions mitigation. This paper uses a multi-regional input-output model and complex network analysis to examine the global CO₂ emissions transfer network driven by IMNEs (GCNI) from 2000 to 2019. The results reveal that between 2009 and 2019, post-financial crisis interconnectedness increased, raising network density from 0.48 to 0.58. During the period of 2000–2019, the GCNI underwent dynamic cluster adjustments, forming two distinct communities by 2019: an Asian community led by China and a cross-regional community led by the United States (US). China, Hong Kong, the US, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Taiwan held central positions, with smaller economies acting as connectors in a core-periphery structure. These findings emphasize the need to strengthen global governance and foster cooperative emission reduction in the digital era.