Substantive green innovation and symbolic green innovation: multiple path configurational effects and equivalent research

Purpose This study aims to explore pathways for Chinese manufacturing firms to achieve high-level green innovation, distinguishing driving paths of substantive (substantive green innovation [SGI]) vs symbolic green innovation (SyGI) and elucidating functional equivalence (equifinal paths) among influencing factors, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for enterprises to advance their green transition effectively. Design/methodology/approach Based on the technology–organization–environment framework and using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, this study examines the driving factors and functionally equivalent pathways for SGI and SyGI levels in manufacturing firms from a configurational perspective. Findings Four pathways to high SGI and three pathways to high SyGI have been identified. High-SGI manifests in the following forms: a resource coupling type environment-dominant path ESG and resource governance path and technology–regulation coupling. Under specific conditions, high-SGI and SyGI are functionally equivalent at the technological, organizational and environmental levels and executives 2019 green perceptions are crucial in this process. Originality/value This study addresses the limitation of existing research that treats green innovation as a homogeneous outcome by distinguishing between SGI and SyGI, thereby accounting for the coexistence of quantitative growth and qualitative differentiation in corporate green innovation. From a resource-allocation perspective, it explores the driving paths and functional–equivalence relationships between SGI and SyGI. This research provides managerial insights regarding resource selection and allocation for firms facing transformation challenges.