Green R&D Efficiency and China's Industrial Carbon Intensity: New Evidence From a Spatial Perspective
基于创新价值链理论，使用空间杜宾模型研究绿色研发效率对工业碳强度的影响，发现其能降低本地和邻近省份的碳强度，机制包括绿色产出效率和绿色产业转型。
ABSTRACT Optimising the allocation of limited research and development (R&D) resources significantly enhances the environmental benefits. Based on the innovation value chain theory, this study defines green R&D efficiency and investigates its impact on industrial carbon intensity from a spatial perspective. Using the spatial Durbin model, the results indicate that green R&D efficiency reduces industrial carbon intensity both locally and in neighbouring provinces. Endogenous bias and robustness check further confirm these findings. The key mechanisms driving this effect include green output efficiency and green industrial transformation. Additional analysis manifests that the reduction effect is more pronounced during the development stage of green R&D activities than during the research stage. However, both stages work synergistically to reduce industrial carbon intensity. Environmental regulation and a free market environment positively influence the environmental performance of green R&D efficiency. Finally, policy recommendations are provided.