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A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Environmental Regulations and Competitiveness and Conditions for Its Realization

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  • Yanli Li

    (College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China)

  • Jiayuan Li

    (College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China)

  • Luyao Gan

    (College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China)

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between environmental regulations (ERs) and competitiveness, and the moderating role of the research level, economic development, industry characteristics, and types of measurement in this relationship. To this end, we conducted a meta-analysis of 30 empirical studies. We found that overall, ERs are positively correlated with competitiveness; the industry characteristics have a significant moderating effect on the ER–competitiveness relationship, and ERs more significantly improve the competitiveness of pollution-intensive industries; and the relationship between ERs and competitiveness is universal across research levels, economic development, and types of measurement. This study extends the previous research by supporting the Porter hypothesis and provides a theoretical basis for governments to strengthen the intensity of ERs for pollution-intensive industries and theoretical guidance for enterprises to respond to ERs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yanli Li & Jiayuan Li & Luyao Gan, 2022. "A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Environmental Regulations and Competitiveness and Conditions for Its Realization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7968-:d:851405
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