Impact assessment of digital transformation on the green innovation efficiency of China's manufacturing enterprises

In the context of the low-carbon transition, enhancing green innovation efficiency (GIE) emerges as a vital pathway for the manufacturing industry to achieve sustainability. However, within the ongoing wave of digital transformation (DT), there is limited research addressing the connection between DT and GIE in manufacturing firms. Drawing from the resource-based view and resource dependency theory, this research aims to evaluate the potential of DT in driving GIE by analyzing data from 682 publicly listed manufacturing firms in China between 2011 and 2021. Our findings indicate that DT exerts a notable and positive influence on GIE. Meanwhile, this study identifies improving management efficiency as the mediating pathway through which DT affects GIE. Additionally, R&D subsidies positively moderate the beneficial impact of DT on GIE. Lastly, state-owned companies derive greater benefits in terms of GIE from the process of DT. [Display omitted] •Assessing digital transformation (DT)’s impact on green innovation efficiency (GIE).•An increase of one unit in DT can enhance GIE by 0.02 units.•Management efficiency serves as an intermediate factor in the impact of DT on GIE.•R&D subsidies positively moderate the relationship between DT and GIE.•DT's positive impact is more notable in state-owned firms.