A meta-analysis of the factors influencing corporate eco-innovation

Eco-innovation represents a fundamental pillar in the promotion of sustainable social development and the establishment of a green economy. It constitutes the central tenet of ecological civilization construction, as proposed by the state. A meta-analysis of 35 empirical studies on the influencing factors of eco-innovation was conducted to explore the relationship with eco-innovation at four levels: legal regulation, market, technology, and organizational characteristics. The impact on different types of eco-innovation was also tested, and the moderating effect of industry type was analyzed. The results demonstrate that each factor is significantly and positively correlated with eco-innovation, with market demand and organizational performance exhibiting the strongest correlation. Product and process eco-innovation are both driven by market factors. Additionally, industry type moderates the relationship between commanded environmental regulations, market demand, market competition, internal technological capabilities, and external collaborative networks and eco-innovation. The findings of this study provide valuable insights that can inform the development, promotion, and application of eco-innovation by enterprises, with the aim of accelerating the achievement of socio-economic sustainable development and ecological civilization construction goals. • Strategic Role of Eco-Innovation: Core driver for advancing sustainable social development and green economy transition, critical to ecological civilization. • Multidimensional Drivers Analysis: Synthesizes 35 empirical studies to decode legal, market, technological, and organizational influencing factors. • Market Forces Lead Innovation: Market demand and organizational performance emerge as primary catalysts, directly boosting product/process innovations. • Industry-Specific Regulatory Dynamics: Industrial sectors differentially mediate policy compliance, market adaptation, and collaborative technology networks. • Strategic Implementation Framework: Provides actionable pathways for industries to operationalize eco-innovation and achieve sustainability goals.