Research on digital diffusion of firms under the dual disturbance of carbon trading price volatility and yield uncertainty

In this paper, we have explored the factors driving the diffusion of digital technology (DT) between firms in the context of carbon trading price volatility and yield uncertainty. First, we have constructed a game model containing traditional low-carbon firms and digital firms to explore the effects of carbon trading price volatility, yield uncertainty, and low-carbon competition on firms' optimal decision-making. Based on the model, a low-carbon DT diffusion model built on the Watts-Strogatz small-world network has further been constructed, and data on carbon trading prices and firm yield in reality were collected, using numerical simulation to explore the driving effect of each element on the diffusion of DT. It has been found: (ⅰ) The degree of firm rationality and the initial proportion of firms have a significant positive effect on the diffusion of DT, while the average node degree is rather negative for the diffusion of DT with a low degree of rationality. (ⅱ) Improved DT capabilities and carbon trading price volatility, and increased yield uncertainty, are all effective incentives for firm-to-firm technology diffusion, which can improve the rate of diffusion. (ⅲ) Growing low-carbon competition can have a hindering effect on the diffusion of DT, leading to lower diffusion rates. Based on this study, the influence of different factors on the diffusion of DT among firms has been revealed. Finally, some managerial insights derived from the findings can provide theoretical guidance for firms to achieve digital transformation in complex environments.