Does digital transformation matter to green innovation: based on TOE framework and configuration perspective.

Area of Science:

• Economics
• Business Management
• Environmental Science

Background:

• High-quality economic development relies on green innovation.
• The intricate relationship between digital transformation and green innovation remains under-explored.
• Digital transformation necessitates technological, organizational, and environmental support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the link between digital transformation and green innovation.
• To apply the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and configuration theory.
• To identify pathways and conditions fostering high green innovation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).
• Analyzed data from 1948 listed companies.
• Employed the TOE framework and configuration theory.

Main Results:

• No single necessary condition guarantees high green innovation; digital achievements are generally influential.
• Identified three distinct configurations (pathways) leading to high green innovation.
• Green innovation is digitally enabled but typically requires organizational and environmental support.

Conclusions:

• Multiple configurations and complex causal relationships exist for achieving high green innovation.
• Digital transformation is a key enabler, but organizational and environmental factors are crucial.
• Findings offer theoretical and practical guidance for enhancing green innovation and achieving high-quality development.