How Does the Digital Economy Affect the Green Transition: The Role of Industrial Intelligence and E-Commerce

Huang, Chenchen; Min Du, Anna; Lin, Boqiang

Abstract

As a new economic form, the digital economy (DE) significantly impacts green development. However, the impact of the DE on green total factor productivity (GTFP) remains controversial. A two-way fixed effect model is constructed to explore the impact of DE on green development. It is found that (1) there is a U-shaped relationship rather than a positive relationship between DE and GTFP. (2) Industrial intelligence and e-commerce are essential for DE to affect GTFP. (3) The DE affects GTFP mainly by promoting efficiency progress rather than technological progress. In addition, in regions where government attention to the DE is higher than others, the DE substantially contributes to GTFP. The potential of integrating the DE and the real economy needs to be further tapped. This paper presents pertinent policy suggestions and provides new empirical evidence and valuable reference for promoting green development.

Citation

Huang, C., Min Du, A., & Lin, B. (2025). How Does the Digital Economy Affect the Green Transition: The Role of Industrial Intelligence and E-Commerce. Research in International Business and Finance, 73(Part A), Article 102541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102541

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 19, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 27, 2024
• Publication Date: 2025-01
• Deposit Date: Sep 2, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 28, 2025
• Journal: Research in International Business and Finance
• Print ISSN: 0275-5319
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 73
• Issue: Part A
• Article Number: 102541
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102541
• Keywords: The digital economy, Green development, Green total factor productivity, Industrial intelligence, Online retail