Can digital transformation catalyze green technological innovation? Evidence from a moderated mediation model in Chinese manufacturing firms

Purpose: Against the backdrop of growing global emphasis on sustainable development, this study examines whether and how digital transformation (DT) promotes green technological innovation (GTI). Using a panel of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2012 to 2022. esign/methodology/approach: We employ a panel data model, with robustness tests and alternative specifications to address potential endogeneity concerns. A moderated mediation framework is constructed to identify the underlying mechanisms. Findings: The result s show that DT significantly promotes GTI. This effect is more prominent in high-tech, state-owned, and heavy-polluting enterprises. Mechanism analyses indicate that DT alleviates firms’ financial constraints (FC), thereby weakening their inhibiting effect on GTI. Moreover, technological integration capability (TIC) positively moderates the DT–GTI relationship and mitigates the adverse impact of FC. Originality/value: By empirically clarifying the financial and technological pathways through which digital transformation influences green innovation, this study strengthens theoretical understanding and offers policy and managerial insights for promoting sustainable innovation in emerging economies.