The role of artificial intelligence in reducing carbon emissions: evidence from Chinese manufacturing firms

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions. This study constructs a mathematical model encompassing elements such as artificial intelligence technology to explore the influence mechanism of AI on carbon emissions in the manufacturing industry and selects data at the manufacturing enterprise level from 2011 to 2022 for verification. This study reveals that AI can facilitate emissions reduction in manufacturing enterprises. Specifically, for every one-unit increase in AI, the emissions of enterprises decreased by an average of 0.408%. This influence is mainly realized through technological progress, enhanced human capital, and differences in CE attributes. In high-tech, non-pollution-intensive, low-energy-consuming, technology-intensive enterprises, the application of AI is particularly effective in reducing emissions. Additionally, AI can exert its emissions reduction effect in the network by shortening the shortest path distance among enterprises in the network and enhancing the ‘bridge’ role of enterprises within the network. These findings offer inspiration for formulating relevant policies, including encouraging technological innovation, strengthening talent cultivation, and optimizing industrial chain management, to clarify the intrinsic logic of intelligence-driven low carbonization and guide the formulation and implementation of practical policies.