Impacts of ESG responsibility fulfillment on digital technology innovation from a legitimacy perspective

doi:10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2025.11.014

Science Research Management ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (11): 140-150.DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2025.11.014

• 5DDD299A-561 • Previous Articles Next Articles

Impacts of ESG responsibility fulfillment on digital technology innovation from a legitimacy perspective

Sun Jiamin¹, Zhou Qingjie¹, Gao Jie², Zhang Jilin³

1. School of Economics, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China;
2. School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China;
3. School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou 350118, Fujian, China

Received:2025-03-13 Revised:2025-08-21 Accepted:2025-08-21 Online:2025-11-20 Published:2025-11-07

Abstract

Abstract: Driving digital technology innovation and fostering digital competitiveness are important issues for high-quality enterprise development. Grounded in the legitimacy theory, this study examined the relationship between ESG responsibility fulfillment and digital technology innovation in Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2023, as well as the mechanisms underlying this relationship. The findings indicated that (1) ESG performance has a statistically significant positive effect on digital technology innovation, and this conclusion holds under multiple robustness tests; (2) ESG performance upgrades internal resource allocation by increasing government subsidies, enhancing financing capacity, and improving human capital, thereby effectively driving digital technology innovation. External digital attention significantly strengthens the positive effect of ESG performance on digital technology innovation; (3) The positive impact of ESG performance on digital technology innovation is influenced by contextual heterogeneity, being more prominent in high-tech, heavily polluting, and safety-sensitive industries, in growth-stage enterprises, and in regions with more advanced digital infrastructure. This study has identified the legitimacy-based mechanism linking ESG performance and digital technology innovation, explored how ESG integrates with corporate digital strategies, and it will offer some theoretical and practical guidance for policymakers and enterprises seeking sustainable innovation.

Key words: ESG responsibility fulfillment, digital technology innovation, legitimacy, resource allocation upgrading, digital attention

Sun Jiamin, Zhou Qingjie, Gao Jie, Zhang Jilin. Impacts of ESG responsibility fulfillment on digital technology innovation from a legitimacy perspective[J]. Science Research Management, 2025, 46(11): 140-150.

[1]	Xu Hui, Li Yi, Zhou Xiaohua. Research on the influence of availability of traditional finance on the digital technology innovation of enterprises [J]. Science Research Management, 2025, 46(8): 123-134.
[2]	Han Xianfeng, Gou Yanan, Dong Mingfang. Research on the impact of digital intelligence policy coordination on urban digital technology innovation [J]. Science Research Management, 2025, 46(7): 60-69.
[3]	Li Zhongshun, Xie Weihong, Wang Yongjian. Research on the growth mechanisms of "Little Giant" enterprises in the digital context [J]. Science Research Management, 2025, 46(11): 23-31.
[4]	Zhang Nan, Jiang Xu, Wang Chufan. Research on the impact of equity incentives on the corporate social responsibility report disclosure [J]. Science Research Management, 2023, 44(9): 120-130.
[5]	Li Zhengwei, Zhao Xin, Wang Feirong. Research on disruptive innovation strategy from the perspective of opportunity window: A case study at the industrial level [J]. Science Research Management, 2023, 44(12): 82-92.
[6]	Liu Muyang, Yu Peili, Yang Miao. Dynamic evolution of the legitimacy of disruptive innovation——A case study of "Didi Chuxing" [J]. Science Research Management, 2022, 43(8): 21-31.
[7]	Yan Aiyan, Tang Fangcheng. Institutional logic and developmental path of technological innovation of China′s high-speed rail system [J]. Science Research Management, 2022, 43(2): 1-8.
[8]	Feng Xiaobin, Ma Xiaoshu. The impact of knowledge search on innovation legitimacy from the perspective of decision rationality [J]. Science Research Management, 2022, 43(10): 172-179.
[9]	Wu Yanbo, Shao Yunfei. Is alliance portfolio reconfiguration helpful to cooperative innovation performance? [J]. Science Research Management, 2021, 42(9): 103-111.
[10]	Zhang Qiang, Sun Ning, Zhang Lu, Wang Jianguo, Hao Xiaoyan. A research on the legalization mechanism of internet entrepreneurial enterprises driven by opportunity window [J]. Science Research Management, 2020, 41(8): 171-180.
[11]	Xie Jiangpei, Dai Xin, Li Chang. A study of the impact of intragroup sense of power on voice behavior [J]. Science Research Management, 2020, 41(7): 201-209.
[12]	Li Jizhen, Li Xiaohua, Chen Cong, Gao Xudong. Growth of academic spin-offs from 0 to 1 [J]. Science Research Management, 2020, 41(6): 139-148.
[13]	Ge Anru, Tang Fangcheng. The new category emerging mechanism based on legitimacy perspective:A case study of Huajiao Live Streaming [J]. Science Research Management, 2020, 41(12): 112-120.
[14]	Zhang Huayao, Gao Meilan, Xu Jiaying. Organizational learning and legitimacy acquiring within transnational alliances: A case study of SME′s internationalization [J]. Science Research Management, 2020, 41(10): 21-29.
[15]	Yang Yan, Jing Fengjie. Effect of assets of newness on the marketing performance of small and micro enterprises [J]. Science Research Management, 2019, 40(10): 250-258.

Impacts of ESG responsibility fulfillment on digital technology innovation from a legitimacy perspective

Knowledge

Abstract

Cite this article

share this article

References

Related Articles 15

Recommended Articles

Metrics