Work

Can Supply Chain Digitalization Reduce Corporate Carbon Emission Intensity? Evidence from the Annual Reports of Chinese Listed Companies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In the context of a rapidly evolving data-driven economy and increasingly stringent carbon reduction policies, the impact of supply chain digitalization (SCD) on corporate carbon emission intensity (CEI) has become an important research topic. Using panel data on Chinese A-share listed firms from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges over the period 2013–2023, this study employs Python-based text analysis of corporate annual reports to explore the effect of SCD on corporate CEI. The results show that SCD significantly reduces corporate CEI. Mechanism analysis further indicates that this effect operates through three channels: alleviating financing constraints, promoting green innovation, and reducing supply chain disruption risk. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the mitigating effect of SCD on corporate CEI is more pronounced among non-state-owned firms, large-scale firms, firms in non-high-tech industries, firms in highly environmentally sensitive industries, and firms located in regions with more developed digital infrastructure. Further analysis shows that SCD contributes to improvements in both firms’ sustainability and financial performance. Overall, this study provides important policy implications for both governments and firms.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18083991

Authors: Zikun Zhang, Lianqian Yin, Jinpeng Wen, Yingying Wu

Institutions: Jinan University, South China University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896