Can Esg Performance Drive Firm Innovation? The Mediating Role of Ai Adoption and Digital Transformation — Evidence From China

Abstract

The effectiveness of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) on corporate performance is an area of growing interest with significant practical implications. However, the role of ESG in fostering corporate innovation has received limited attention, and the mechanisms through which ESG factors influence innovation performance remain inadequately understood. This paper empirically investigates the impact and mechanisms of ESG performance on corporate innovation capabilities using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2021. The results indicate that ESG performance significantly enhances corporate innovation capacity, mediated by the degree of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and digital transformation. By employing the concept of organisational innovation, this study elucidates the mechanisms of ESG factors on innovation performance, addressing a significant gap in the existing research. The findings offer valuable insights for enterprises aiming to improve their competitive advantage and provide a crucial foundation for policymakers seeking to enhance corporate innovation through targeted reforms.