Does global value chains foster sustainable technological innovation? A multifaceted analysis of belt and road economies

• Assessing GVCs-Sustainable Technological Innovation nexus in B&R nations. • GVCs position improve Sustainable Technological Innovation during 2002–2021. • Forward GVCs raise Sustainable Technological Innovation and backward GVCs cut it. • GVCs also impact sustainable technological innovation in diverse income groups. • Knowledge spillover and innovation capabilities are significant mechanisms. In the race of technological advancements, global value chains (GVCs) appear as a prevailing yet double-edged sword, carrying the potential to either hinder or foster the adoption of sustainable technologies. This research evaluates GVCs impact on sustainable Technological innovation in 86 Belt and Road (B&R) nations during 2002–2021, incorporating GVCs modes and national heterogeneity. The rate of Technology Adaptation ( TecAdp ), Research and Development investment ( RR&D ), and Digital Connectivity ( DigCont) indexes are employed for sustainable technological innovation assessment. Knowledge Spillover and Innovation Capabilities are used as moderators. Upgrading the GVCs position fosters TecAdp, RR&D and DigCont , and increases sustainable technological innovation. The rise in forward GVCs participation positively impacted sustainable technological innovation compared with the negative influence of backward GVC participation. The GVCs position and forward GVCs mode positively impact sustainable Technological innovation in emerging, developed, and developing economies, whereas backward GVCs participation negatively influences these features. Innovation Capabilities and Knowledge Spillover significantly moderate the relationship of GVCs' position and forward and backward GVCs’ participation with TecAdp, DigCont and RR&D . It is recommended to employ practical strategies for GVC integrations to leverage future sustainable technology benefits, enhance contributions, and address the deficiencies associated with backward GVCs.