Research on the impact of green technology innovation in coal enterprises on environmental performance: based on the moderating effect of digital transformation

Green technology innovation is regarded as an important way to promote industrial transformation and upgrading, which is of great significance to improve environmental performance and promote sustainable development. In order to explore the impact of green technology innovation on environmental performance, this paper takes A-share listed coal enterprises from 2013 to 2023 as the research object, analyzes the impact of green technology innovation on environmental performance of coal enterprises by establishing an econometric model, and further explores the role of digital transformation in the impact of green technology innovation of coal enterprises on their environmental performance by means of a moderating effect model. The results show that coal enterprises can actively carry out green technology innovation to improve corporate environmental performance, but this effect has a certain lag. Green technology innovation has not improved the environmental performance of enterprises in the short term, but in the long run, the promotion effect is significant. Digital transformation has significantly promoted the application and development of green technology innovation in coal enterprises, thus effectively improving their environmental performance. This is mainly reflected in the fact that digital transformation can not only optimize the decision-making process and promote the efficient allocation and utilization of resources, but also accelerate the iteration of the innovation process, providing strong support for the development and application of green technology, thus further promoting the positive impact of green technology innovation on environmental performance. The results of heterogeneity show that the effect of state-owned and diversified coal enterprises on promoting green technology innovation and digital transformation is more obvious. At the same time, large-scale coal enterprises with superior business environment and as innovative pilot cities are more qualified to actively carry out green technology innovation and digital transformation, and significantly improve environmental performance. The research conclusions provide necessary theoretical supplement and important practical enlightenment for the high-quality development of coal enterprises in China.