How the Transformation of Digital–Carbon Integration Is Empowering Sustainable Development: Theoretical Logic and Practical Pathways

The paper proposes a groundbreaking strategy for merging corporate digitalization and low-carbon transition (digital–carbon integration) for Chinese companies, using data from A-share listed companies in China from 2013 to 2022. The deep integration of the digital transformation and green low-carbon development has emerged as a crucial route by which to enhance sustainable development and attain high-quality development, due to the quick iterations of digital technology and the growing severity of global climate challenges. The study uses a dual fixed effects model for regression analysis and gathers 24,074 sample observations. The findings show the following: (1) The level of digital–carbon integration has been gradually increasing, which has had a major positive impact on sustainable development. Several robustness tests confirm the validity of this conclusion. (2) Mechanism analysis shows that, by encouraging green technology innovation and increasing operational management efficiency, digital–carbon integration can improve sustainable development. (3) According to heterogeneity analysis, non-state-owned businesses and high-technology corporations are more affected by digital–carbon integration on sustainable development. This study gives a path reference for improving sustainable development and attaining high-quality growth, in addition to offering a theoretical foundation for advancing digital–carbon integration in Chinese businesses.