The effects of industrial intelligence on China's energy intensity: The role of technology absorptive capacity

This study examines the impact of industrial intelligence on energy intensity in China, with a special perspective on the role of technology absorptive capacity in the relationship. Based on panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2020, the direct and moderating effect model results show that industrial intelligence reduces energy intensity, and the interaction of industrial intelligence with technology absorptive capacity (i.e., assessed by the variables of information infrastructure, human capital, and technological innovation) tends to enhance the energy intensity reduction effect of industrial intelligence. Further, the threshold effect model shows that the reduction effect is heterogenous across regions: industrial intelligence tends to reduce energy intensity more in regions with higher information infrastructure, human capital, and technological innovation levels than in those with lower levels. Comprehensive governmental strategies to improve energy efficiency should concomitantly promote the sustainable development of industrial intelligence and technology absorption capacity.