Knowledge-driven green cognition: the impact of enterprise innovation in sustainable development performance

Abstract This study examines how corporate green cognition affects sustainable performance under China's dual-carbon agenda, analyzing manufacturing sector data. Results show environmental factors exert stronger impacts than resource factors on financial/environmental outcomes. Green product innovation mediates financial performance, while green technological innovation mediates environmental gains. Government subsidies intensify cognition's effect on innovation adoption. Ownership heterogeneity reveals environmental factors differentially influence state-owned versus private enterprises. The findings advance sustainable development theory by elucidating cognition–innovation–performance mechanisms, offering practical strategies for aligning manufacturing practices with carbon neutrality goals through optimized green cognition frameworks and targeted policy interventions.