Green innovation efficiency measurement and its influencing factors in specialized and new enterprises

Abstract

Based on data from 40 Specialized and New Enterprises (SNEs) in Zhejiang from 2017 to 2021, green innovation efficiency (GIE) is assessed by Charnes-Cooper-Rhodes and super-Slack-Based Measure models, and influencing factors of GIE are analyzed using the Systematic Generalized Method of Moments Dynamic model to address the improvement of GIE in SNEs. The conclusions include: (i) the GIE is declining from 2017 to 2021 and could be improved in the future, especially for SNEs in Zhejiang. (ii) As for influencing factors, research and development investment, industry-university-research collaboration, and government support have positive effects, while enterprise scale has a negative effect of restraining the development of green innovation of SNEs in Zhejiang. Therefore, several countermeasures, including establishing sound scientific research mechanisms, forming cooperation mechanisms among enterprises, research institutes, and colleges and universities, strengthening government support, and improving the government’s subsidy policy, are being put forward. Scientific basis and practical guidance are provided to enhance the green innovation capability of enterprises and the formulation of relevant policies by the government.

Keywords

Specialized and new enterprises / Green innovation efficiency / Charnes-Cooper-Rhodes and super-Slack-Based Measure models / Measurement / Influencing factors

Funding

This work was supported by 2025 Ningbo Social Science Project “Multiplier Effect of Data Elements Enabling New Quality Productivity: Current Status and Possible Paths in Ningbo (G2025-3-01),” 2025 Ningbo University SRIP project “Multiplier Effect of Data Elements Enabling New Quality Productivity: Logical Mechanisms and Paths to Realization (2025SRIP0112),” 2024 Zhejiang Province Social Science Think Tank Project “Research on the Value Assessment of ocean data assets to Empower the High Quality Development of Zhejiang’s Ocean Economy,” Zhejiang Province Social Science 2023 “Social Science Empowerment Action” Special Project “Research Results of Social Science Empowerment of High Quality Development Action in Mountain (Island) Counties” named “Research on the Mechanism and Integration Path of Digital Economy Empowering the High Quality Development of Zhejiang’s Mountain Economy,” 2023 Ningbo Municipal Industry-Education Integration “Five Batch” Project “Construction of Generative Artificial Intelligence-Based Intelligent Education in Colleges and Universities,” and 2024 Ningbo Soft Science Research Program “Domestic and International Practices of Attracting Social Funds to Invest in Basic Research and Implications for the City (2024R017).”

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare they have no competing interests.

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