Research on the Impact of Process Technological Innovation on Carbon Emission Efficiency in China's Paper Industry : Industrial Structure Upgrading as a Mediating Variable and Command-and-Control Environmental Regulation as a Moderating VariableZhou Zaifeng

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

There is a critical need to understand the impact of Process technological innovation on carbon emission efficiency within China's paper industry, considering industrial structure upgrading as a mediating variable and command-and-control environmental regulation as a moderating factor. The paper industry, a traditional sector characterized by high energy consumption and significant carbon emissions, is under scrutiny due to global climate change challenges and China's "dual carbon" goals. The study's importance lies in its potential to provide insights into how technological advancements can be leveraged to achieve green development, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining industry competitiveness. Moreover, the primary objective of this research is to explore the complex relationships between process technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading, command-and-control environmental regulation, and carbon emission efficiency. The study employs a comprehensive research methodology that includes literature review, theoretical analysis, and empirical analysis using panel data from 20 provinces in China's paper industry from 2011 to 2022. Quantitative research methods such as fixed effects models, mediation effect models, and moderation effect models are utilized to test the hypotheses.. Firstly, this study systematically reviews the relevant theories and literature on process technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading, command-and-control environmental regulation, and carbon emission efficiency, clarifying the potential relationships among these variables. Subsequently, quantitative research methods are employed, utilizing panel data from 20 provinces in China's paper industry from 2011 to 2022. Several econometric models, including fixed effects models, mediation effect models, and moderation effect models, are constructed to empirically test the direct effects of process technological innovation on carbon emission efficiency, the mediating effects of industrial structure upgrading, and the moderating effects ofcommand-and-control environmental regulation. Specific variables include: independent variable process technological innovation (PTI), dependent variable carbon emission efficiency (CEE), mediating variable industrial structure upgrading (UIS), moderating variable command-and-control environmental regulation (CCER), and two control variables production efficiency (PE) and economic development level (ED). Regression analysis conducted using Stata reveals that, process technological innovation initially negatively impacts carbon emission efficiency in the paper industry but positively influences it as the level of innovation increases. Industrial structure upgrading positively affects carbon emission efficiency and mediates the relationship between process technological innovation and carbon emission efficiency. Command-and-control environmental regulation negatively impacts carbon emission efficiency and significantly moderates the relationship between process technological innovation and carbon emission efficiency. Based on these findings, the study proposes policy recommendations aimed at increasing investment in process technological innovation, optimizing industrial structures, and improving command-and-control environmental regulation policies to promote the green transformation of China's paper industry. Based on these findings, the study proposes several policy recommendations: Firstly, increase investment in technological innovation, encouraging enterprises to develop low-carbon and environmentally friendly technologies and processes. Secondly, optimize industrial structures, promoting the development of the paper industry towards high-end and green directions. Thirdly, improve environmental regulation policies, establishing a comprehensive carbon emission regulatory system, and strengthening the environmental responsibility and emission reduction awareness of enterprises. These recommendations are of great significance for promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of China's paper industry and achieving sustainable development goals. The innovation of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of the multidimensional factors influencing carbon emission efficiency in the paper industry. It offers a nuanced understanding of the mediating role of industrial structure upgrading and the moderating role of command-and-control environmental regulation, providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the transformation and upgrading of China's paper industry. The research significance is underscored by its potential to inform policy-making and guide the paper industry towards sustainable development goals, aligning with China's broader environmental and economic objectives. Keywords: Process Technological Innovation, Carbon Emission Efficiency, Industrial Structure Upgrading, Command-and-Control Environmental Regulation, China's Paper Industry

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Ⅰ. Introduction 1
• 1. Research Background1
• 2. Research Objectives and Significance 8
• 3. Research Approach11
• 4. Research Content and Methodology 14
• 5. Research Innovations 17
• Ⅱ. Theoretical Foundations and Literature Review 19
• 1. Concept Definition 19
• 2. Theoretical Foundation 37
• 3. Literature Review 62
• Ⅲ. Research Hypotheses and Research Design 95
• 1. Formulation of Research Hypotheses95
• 2. Construction of the Research Model 109
• 3. Research Design and Analytical Methods 113
• Ⅳ. Empirical Analysis124
• 1. Measurement and Characteristics of Core Variables 124
• 2. Descriptive Statistics and Multicollinearity Test 136
• 3. Multiple Regression Analysis138
• V. Research Conclusions and Future Prospects 188
• 1. Research Conclusions 188
• 2. Research Limitations and Future Prospects 191
• References194
• 한글초록 214
• Appendix216
• Acknowledgements 245