The impact of digital technologies on eco-efficiency: Evidence from ICT patents

In light of the swift advancement of the digital economy, exploring how digital technology influences eco-efficiency allows for an assessment of the effects of digital economic growth on sustainable development. This article empirically analyses the effect of digital technology development on eco-efficiency from the perspective of digital technology, based on the data of China's information and communication technology (ICT) patents, and tests the mechanism of capital productivity. It is found that digital technology development can significantly promote eco-efficiency, and the conclusion passes the robustness test. The results of the heterogeneity analysis indicate significant variation in how digital technology development promotes digital entrepreneurship. Additionally, the impact of digital technology development on eco-efficiency is more pronounced in coastal cities, particularly after the new economic norm, the opening of high-speed railways, and in mega-cities. The findings from the mechanism analysis suggest that advancements in digital technology enhance eco-efficiency by increasing capital productivity. • The research perspective of this article starts from technological innovation, and innovatively thinks about the improvement of eco-efficiency from the perspective of digital technology. • This article uses ICT patents to construct indicators for measuring digital technology. • This article explores how biases in technology and capital productivity affect eco-efficiency. • Testing the influence mechanism from multiple angles.