The path to green Innovation: The impact of artificial intelligence applications on corporate continuous green...

In the digital technology-dominated era, artificial intelligence applications (AIA) provide sustainable developmental momentum for enterprises. This study develops a machine learning framework to quantify AIA and examines its impact on corporate continuous green innovation (CGI) using panel data from China's A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2022, with a focus on clarifying the influence pathways and heterogeneous effects between the two. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence Applications is classified into logic-based versus learning-based AI technologies, with subsequent regression analyses revealing their statistically distinct CGI enhancement pathway. Results demonstrate that AIA exerts a significantly positive influence on CGI, albeit with effect size heterogeneity across AIA types. Mechanistic analyses reveal that AIA enhances CGI through elevated R&D intensity (RI) and increased knowledge diversity (KD). Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the promotional effect of AIA on CGI is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, technology-intensive firms, and samples with higher baseline CGI levels. Actionable suggestions are offered for policymakers as well as corporate managers to optimize AIA, cultivate sustainable competitive advantages, and enhance CGI utilization.