Can digital technology application promote energy saving and emission reduction practices in enterprise? An empirical study based on the awareness-motivation-capability perspective

Digital technology has become a promising measure to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. So, can digital technology application (DTA) promotes energy saving and emission reduction (ESER) practices in enterprise? To answer this question, this paper studies the influence and mechanism of DTA on enterprise ESER practices based on the awareness-motivation-capability (AMC) framework. The data of 3803 observations of listed companies in China from 2011 to 2020 are analyzed using the ordered logit model. Results indicate that DTA has a significant driving effect on ESER practices in enterprise. In terms of internal managers’ characteristics, both the average age of TMT and managerial myopia negatively moderate the effect of DTA on enterprise ESER practices, alleviating the effect between both. In terms of external government intervention, the moderating effects of environmental regulation and government subsidies are investigated, with the former enhancing the relationship between DTA and ESER practices, while the latter weakening the relationship.