Environmental Regulation, Green Technology Innovation and Environmental Performance: An Empirical Study Based on Microdata of Heavy Polluting Enterprises

School of Management, China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361005, China

^* Corresponding author: davewei2001@163.com

Abstract

This paper first systematically reviews and analyzes the relevant literature, theories, and concepts, and then proposes research hypotheses. The study empirically investigates the relationship and mechanisms between environmental regulation and environmental performance. Finally, the paper draws conclusions and provides policy recommendations for both the government and enterprises. The study finds that environmental regulation improve environmental performance in heavily polluting enterprises. Mechanism tests show that environmental regulation optimizes corporate environmental performance and enhances environmental performance by compelling enterprises to engage in green technological innovation. The impact is more significant in non-state-owned, high-tech, central and western region enterprises and enterprises under high environmental regulatory presure. The research conclusions contribute to the the "dual carbon" goals.