The Impact of Multidimensional Relational Network Embedding on the Carbon Emission Reductions of Manufacturing Enterprises: From the Mediating and Regulating Roles of Technological Innovation

Abstract

Promoting low-carbon, green development in the industrial sector is crucial for the sustainable development of the economy and society in China. As the micro-entity of industrial carbon reduction, the question of how to enhance the carbon reduction capacity of industrial enterprises has attracted widespread attention. Research suggests that a multidimensional relationship network, consisting of government, market, industry, and public networks and network reputation, significantly influences enterprises’ carbon emission performance. Based on the survey data of 1226 manufacturing enterprises, this study empirically examines the impact of multidimensional relationship network on the carbon emissions of enterprises and its mechanism from a micro-perspective. The findings reveal that relational network embedding significantly reduces the carbon emission intensity, and the reduction effect becomes stronger as the embedding degree increases. Compared to the government and industry networks, the market network, public network, and network reputation have a more significant impact on carbon emission reduction. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the reduction effect is more significant in enterprises with a higher carbon emission intensity and digital level. The mechanism analysis also highlights the role of technological innovation as a mediator and regulator in strengthening the carbon emission reduction effect of relationship network embedding.