The Impact of Enterprise Digital Intelligence Transformation on Green Governance: Evidence from Chinese Heavy Pollution Enterprises

Enterprise digital intelligence transformation builds upon the digitalization of information and the enhancement of process-related services. It extends into the organization’s core operations, aiming to establish an advanced business model that embodies a higher level of digital and intelligent integration. This study examines the impact of enterprise digital transformation on green technological innovation and operational performance; drawing on firm-level data from China’s highly polluting industries between 2014 and 2024. Empirical results indicate that digital transformation significantly promotes green technological innovation, as evidenced by an increase in the number of green patents, thereby enhancing enterprises’ capacity to fulfill social and environmental responsibilities. In contrast, its effect on operational and managerial performance is not statistically significant, although the positive coefficient suggests potential long-term gains. The relatively high initial investment required for digital infrastructure development and employee training, combined with substantial trial-and-error costs particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises appears to constrain short-term operational improvements. Furthermore, the findings suggest that while digital transformation acts as a catalyst for sustainability-oriented innovation, its economic benefits may follow a delayed realization pattern. This research extends the literature on digitalization and corporate green governance by focusing on high-emission industries, offering practical implications for policymakers, regulators, and managers seeking to balance environmental objectives with economic performance in the digital era.