Has the construction of ecological civilization promoted green technology innovation?

Abstract

Innovation in green technologies is the key force behind green development. We employed the difference-in-differences model to evaluate the influences of ecological civilization construction (ECC) on green technology innovation. The study discovered that the development of ecological civilization significantly increased the innovation of green technologies in the pilot area. Because green utility model patents (GUP) have a positive spatial spillover while green invention patents (GIP) have a siphon effect that causes a negative spatial overflow, the promotion effect on GUP is larger. Along with its direct effects, the construction of ecological civilization can also bring in environmental investments and human capital. Additionally, it can aid in enhancing the industrial infrastructure and organizational structure, which raises the level of innovation in green technology.