Study on the Impact of Enterprise Export Technological Complexity on Carbon Emissions: Micro-level Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies

Shiyi Yu; Nan Ding; Yating Deng

doi:10.54691/dh7cb643

Authors

Shiyi Yu
Nan Ding
Yating Deng

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/dh7cb643

Keywords:

Export Technological Complexity; Carbon Emissions; Green Total Factor Productivity; Financing Constraints; R&D Investment.

Abstract

Against the backdrop of an accelerating digital economy and with new productive forces emerging as a core driver, the relationship between export technological sophistication and carbon emissions is gaining renewed importance. Research into its underlying synergistic mechanisms holds critical practical relevance for elucidating how technological upgrading drives green transformation and promotes high-quality exports. This study empirically examines the impact of export technological complexity on carbon emissions at the micro-firm level using data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2022, while exploring its underlying mechanisms and heterogeneous characteristics. Findings reveal that increased enterprise export technological complexity significantly curbs carbon emissions, a conclusion that holds after endogeneity treatment and robustness tests. Mechanism analysis shows that increasing R&D investment, alleviating financing constraints, and improving green total factor productivity are three key mediating pathways for enterprises to improve export technological sophistication and achieve carbon emission reduction. Heterogeneity research shows that this emission reduction effect is more significant in state-owned enterprises, manufacturing enterprises, and small and medium-sized enterprises. This study not only fills a gap in micro-level empirical research on the relationship between export technological sophistication and corporate carbon emissions, but also uncovers its underlying transmission mechanisms. It provides theoretical foundations and practical guidance for different types of enterprises to simultaneously enhance technological competitiveness and pursue green development, thereby contributing to the achievement of China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.

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