Can digital transformation influence green collaborative innovation and, if so, how? Evidence from Chinese manufacturing firms

Given the critical role of collaborative innovation in securing key resources to achieve green development, this study empirically analyzes the impact and mechanism of digital transformation (DT) on green collaborative innovation (GCI) using data from Chinese listed manufacturing firms during the period 2009–2022. The results reveal that DT significantly promotes GCI, with this effect showing heterogeneity. Mechanism analysis based on the TOE model shows that, DT indirectly promotes GCI by expanding knowledge breadth (T) and strengthening dynamic capability (O). Furthermore, increased industrial chain integration (E1) and greater analyst attention (E2) amplify the positive impact of DT on GCI. Finally, the study identifies that the positive effect of DT on GCI is constrained by a single threshold for green independent innovation, with the threshold value of 2.944. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship of DT and GCI.