Digital technologies and corporate green innovation: opening the “black box” of resource orchestration mechanisms

Abstract

Purpose Driven by the dual-carbon target and the widespread digital transformation, leveraging digital technology (DT) to facilitate sustainable, green and high-quality development in heavy-polluting industries has emerged as a pivotal and timely research focus. However, existing studies diverge in their perspectives on whether DT’s impact on green innovation is synergistic or leads to a crowding-out effect. In pursuit of optimizing the synergy between DT and green innovation, this paper aims to investigate the mechanisms that can be harnessed to render DT a more constructive force in advancing green innovation. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from the theoretical framework of resource orchestration, the authors offer a comprehensive elucidation of how DT intricately influences the green innovation efficiency of enterprises. Given the intricate interplay within the synergistic relationship between DT and green innovation, the authors use the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method to explore diverse configurations of antecedent conditions leading to optimal solutions. This approach transcends conventional linear thinking to provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics involved. Findings The findings reveal that antecedent configurations fostering high green innovation efficiency actually differ across various stages. First, there are three distinct configuration patterns that can enhance the green technology research and development (R&D) efficiency of enterprises, namely, digitally driven resource integration (RI), digitally driven resource synergy (RSy) and high resource orchestration capability. Then, the authors also identify three configuration patterns that can bolster the high green achievement transfer efficiency of enterprises, including a digitally optimized resource portfolio, digitally driven RSy and efficient RI. The findings not only contribute to advancing the resource orchestration theory in the digital ecosystem but also provide empirical evidence and practical insights to support the sustainable development of green innovation. Practical implications The findings can offer valuable insights for enterprise managers, providing decision-making guidance on effectively harnessing the innovation-driven value of internal and external resources through resource restructuring, bundling and leveraging, whether with or without the support of DT. Social implications The research findings contribute to heavy-polluting enterprises addressing the paradoxical tensions between digital transformation and resource constraints under environmental regulatory pressures. It aims to facilitate the simultaneous achievement of environmental and commercial success by enhancing their green innovation capabilities, ultimately leading to sustainability across profit and the environment. Originality/value Compared with previous literature, this research introduces a distinctive theoretical perspective, the resource orchestration view, to shed light on the paradoxical relationship on resource-occupancy between DT application and green innovation. It unveils the “black box” of how digitalization impacts green innovation efficiency from a more dynamic resource-based perspective. While most studies regard green innovation activities as a whole, this study delves into the impact of digitalization on green innovation within the distinct realms of green technology R&D and green achievement transfer, taking into account a two-stage value chain perspective. Finally, in contrast to previous literature that predominantly analyzes influence mechanisms through linear impact, the authors use configuration analysis to intricately unravel the complex influences arising from various combinatorial relationships of digitalization and resource orchestration behaviors on green innovation efficiency.

Impact of Digital Transformation and Green Manufacturing Practices on Firm Performance with Mediating Role of Green Product Innovation: An Empirical Investigation with PLS-SEM Modeling

“…This relationship has a p-value of 0.000, indicating a strong and statistically significant correlation. This result supports the notion that adopting green manufacturing practices can positively impact firm performance, likely through reduced costs, compliance with environmental regulations, or enhanced brand reputation (Zhou et al, 2024).…”

“…In this way, the environmental standards are used as a plank for the companies to no longer escape, but to fulfil them by demonstrating being real (S. Li et al, 2023). The use of green manufacturing on the other hand enhances the brand image of a firm which in consequence improves the competitiveness of the firm (Zhou et al, 2024). Consumers got enabled to evaluate it as they became so conscious of and cared for environmental issues and therefore prefer to deal with companies that think on the same lines (Mehmood et al, 2024).…”

“…"Digital transformation" is the act of reconstructing business models by utilizing emerging digital technologies including big data, blockchain, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Applying digital transformation to enhance innovation efficiency and productivity has yielded promising initial results in several companies (Zhou et al, 2024). Technological start-ups encompass a sophisticated integration of cutting-edge technology and expertise.…”