The Impact of Enterprise Digital Transformation on Low-Carbon Supply Chains: Empirical Evidence from China

Abstract

The vigorous development of the digital economy, alongside the collaborative promotion of enterprise digital transformation and low-carbon supply chains, has emerged as a critical pathway for achieving green and high-quality development in enterprises. In this paper, we utilize a mathematical model framework to empirically investigate the mechanisms and impacts of enterprise digital transformation on the low-carbon effect of supply chains, employing data from A-share-listed companies spanning 2011 to 2021. The findings indicate that (1) enhancing the degree of enterprise digital transformation can significantly decrease the carbon emission intensity of upstream suppliers, thereby promoting low-carbon supply chains. (2) “Innovation-driven” and “structural transformation” mechanisms are vital channels by which enterprise digital transformation promotes carbon reduction in supply chains. (3) The diffusion mechanism effect and demonstration effect exhibit heterogeneity in the process of enterprise digital transformation, driving low-carbon emission reductions in supply chains.