Enterprise green innovation: The role of data factor inputs

In the digital era, data factors are emerging as a booster for green economic development. This study systematically examines the impact of data factors on the quantity and quality of enterprise green innovations and its transmission mechanisms. It is found that utilizing data factors can drive dual enhancement in the quantity and quality of enterprise green innovations. This is achieved through three synergistic channels: promoting information sharing, strengthening social responsibility, and optimizing factor inputs. The green innovation effect of data factors proves particularly pronounced for enterprises operating in highly concentrated markets, high-tech industries, and heavy-polluting sectors. Further investigation reveals that data factor marketization can facilitate data value realization, and further increase enterprise green innovation quantity. However, high-intensity environmental regulations exhibit counterproductive moderation effect. The study aligns with China's macro-strategic orientation toward green development under the New Normal phase, which not only displays the multiplicative effects of data factors in economic transformation, but also provides enterprise sustainable development with actionable insights.