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Introduction Enhancing labor productivity is a critical driver for promoting the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing sector. Methods Utilizing data from intelligent manufacturing enterprises among Chinese listed companies, this study empirically examines the effects of China’s intelligent manufacturing strategy on enterprise labor productivity. Results The results demonstrate that the strategy significantly enhances the labor productivity of intelligent manufacturing enterprises, and this conclusion remains robust after a series of tests, including parallel trend analysis, placebo tests, and propensity score matching. Further mechanism analysis reveals that the strategy improves labor productivity through three key channels: (1) fostering enterprise innovation, (2) optimizing human capital structure, and (3) increasing capital investment. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the policy impact is more pronounced in the eastern and central regions, large-scale enterprises, and industries with slower technological iteration. Discussion This study not only elucidates the mechanisms through which China’s intelligent manufacturing strategy enhances productivity but also provides valuable insights for other countries and regions implementing similar strategies
Chen et al. (2026) studied this question.