The impact of digital technology innovation on energy-saving and emission reduction based on the urban innovation environment

In recent years, with the rapid development of digital technology and the growing emphasis on environmental protection, the interaction between digital technology innovation (DT) and energy-saving and emission reduction (ESER) has drawn widespread attention. Nevertheless, when discussing the relationship between DT and ESER, existing studies have seldom considered the external influence of the regional innovation environment. Taking a research sample of 270 Chinese cities, this paper conducts an empirical study on the effect of DT on ESER, focusing on the moderating effect of the urban innovation environment. The empirical findings are that: (1) digital technology innovation endows ESER performance with a boost, serving as an emerging driving force for resource conservation and environmental management. (2) Digital technology innovation indirectly pushes ESER in Chinese cities by facilitating digital industrialization and enhancing energy efficiency. (3) Considering the urban innovation environment, DT is more advantageous in facilitating local ESER in cities with better human capital. However, the increase in fiscal expenditure on science and technology does not significantly affect the marginal effect of DT on ESER. Studying the impact of DT on ESER as well as its related moderating factors can offer valuable references for cities to formulate targeted policies and strengthen their capacities in economic transformation and environmental governance, thereby facilitating the attainment of sustainable development goals.