The Integration of Digital and Real Industry Technologies and Pollution Reduction in Manufacturing Firms: A Study Based on Patent Citation Information of Listed Companies
The Integration of Digital and Real Industry Technologies and Pollution Reduction in Manufacturing Firms: A Study Based on Patent Citation Information of Listed Companies
CAO Zengdong1, YUE Zhonggang2, XIA Wenhao3
1. Business School, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; 2. School of Economics, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China; 3. School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China
Abstract Based on the data of A-share listed manufacturing companies in China, this study measures the degree of integration between digital and real industry technologies by using patent citation information and explores its impact on pollution reduction. The study shows that the integration of digital and real industry technologies can significantly promote pollution reduction in manufacturing firms. This pollution reduction effect is achieved through three channels: economies of scale, resource allocation and green technological innovation. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that, apart from the digital product service industry, the integration of digital product manufacturing, digital technology application and digital factor-driven industries with real industry technologies has a significant impact on pollution reduction. Moreover, this pollution reduction effect is more pronounced for manufacturing firms in high-pollution industries. In terms of policy environment, the Action Plan for Air Pollution Prevention and Control, the National Big Data Comprehensive Experimental Zone and the Broadband China policy can all enhance the pollution reduction effect of the integration of digital and real industry technologies. This indicates that both environmental regulation policies and digital economy policies have a “ Synergistic Effect ” with the integration of digital and real industry technologies. The study reveals the significant role of the integration of digital economy and real economy industry technologies in promoting pollution reduction in manufacturing. It provides policy references for achieving green transformation and enhancing environmental benefits in manufacturing.
CAO Zengdong,YUE Zhonggang,XIA Wenhao. The Integration of Digital and Real Industry Technologies and Pollution Reduction in Manufacturing Firms: A Study Based on Patent Citation Information of Listed Companies. Economic Survey, 2025, 42(2): 0110.
2025, Vol. 42 
