How Do Digital Intelligence Technologies Expand the Boundaries of Green Innovation? An Examination Based on the Accreditation Policy of “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” Enterprises
研究数字智能技术与“专精特新”企业认定政策的协同作用如何拓展绿色创新边界，基于2010-2024年中国A股上市公司数据，发现协同效应显著，尤其对“小巨人”企业、首批认定企业和数字普惠金融水平高的企业更明显。
ABSTRACT The boundaries of green innovation are essential for enterprises seeking to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage during the process of green transformation. Although digital intelligence technologies can augment green innovation, it may not successfully broaden boundaries of green innovation. This study explores how and to what extent the synergistic interaction between digital intelligence technologies and the accreditation policy of “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” enterprises influences the boundaries of green innovation. Employing a cross‐sectional difference‐in‐differences (DID) model, the study analyzes data from Chinese A‐share listed companies over the period 2010–2024, with a focus on mechanisms of cost reduction and efficiency enhancement. The findings indicate that, although digital intelligence technologies alone do not act as an external catalyst for expanding the boundaries of green innovation, its synergistic interaction with the accreditation policy significantly broadens these boundaries, and the results remain robust under multiple validation tests. Further analysis reveals that this synergistic effect is particularly pronounced among Little Giant enterprises, first‐batch accredited firms, and those with higher levels of digital inclusive finance. This effect expands the boundaries of green innovation through three primary channels: internal executive' green awareness, size of the company's assets, and the external market competitiveness. The results also show that the growth effect is insignificant for enterprises that experienced evaluation downgrades, but substantial and meaningful for those that maintained their accreditation status. Overall, this research provides empirical evidence and a policy‐oriented framework for optimizing policy tools and digital intelligence strategies to effectively expand the boundaries of green innovation.