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Balance between Smog Control and Economic Growth in China: Mechanism Analysis Based on the Effect of Green Technology Innovation

Author

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  • Kai Yuan

    (Department of Economics and Management, Bozhou University, Bozhou 236800, China)

  • Yabing Qin

    (Department of Economics and Management, Bozhou University, Bozhou 236800, China)

  • Chenlu Wang

    (School of International Business and Economics, Henan University of Economics and Law, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Zihao Li

    (School of Business, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
    Yangtze Institute for International Digital Trade Innovation and Development, Nanjing 210044, China)

  • Tingting Bai

    (School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110189, China)

Abstract

The balance between smog pollution (SP) control and economic growth (EG) is currently a major problem facing China’s development. Green technology innovation (GTI) is an effective way to promote ecological civilization and realize green development. Thus, whether GTI can facilitate a win–win situation of SP control and stable EG is an important issue of academic concerns. In this paper, the mechanisms of the role of GTI, SP and EG were systematically demonstrated. The corresponding research hypotheses were proposed. Based on the data book of 278 Chinese cities from 2008 to 2020, the effects of GTI on SP and EG were systematically investigated using the econometric estimation method of dynamic spatial panel simultaneous equations. The results show that GTI can reduce SP directly, or indirectly by promoting EG. Although GTI can promote EG, EG may be inhibited due to GTI-induced SP reduction. Inter-regional SP showed significant spatial agglomeration characteristics. EG had significant spatial correlation effects. GTI in neighboring regions can also facilitate local SP control. Further analysis shows that compared with green utility model innovation (GUMI), green invention and innovation (GII) had a more significant effect on reducing SP and promoting EG. In addition, the analysis of the comprehensive effect of GTI on SP and EG shows that GTI can achieve the overall balanced development of SP prevention and EG regardless of GTI types.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Yuan & Yabing Qin & Chenlu Wang & Zihao Li & Tingting Bai, 2023. "Balance between Smog Control and Economic Growth in China: Mechanism Analysis Based on the Effect of Green Technology Innovation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1475-:d:1034810
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    References listed on IDEAS

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