Study On Measurement And Convergence Of Ecological Innovation Efficiency Of Mining Enterprises

Mining is a crucial industry in the national economy,providing essential materials for production and economic growth.However,its production methods have significant negative impacts on the environment,such as resource depletion,pollution,and waste emissions.As resource scarcity and environmental degradation become increasingly severe,the green transformation of China’s mining industry is necessary for sustainable economic and social development,with the micro-foundation being green development at the enterprise level.Ecotechnological innovation can help mining enterprises improve productivity and economic efficiency while reducing the negative externalities of their products and processes on the environment under environmental regulations.Listed mining companies are essential in showcasing green innovation development in Chinese mining enterprises.Therefore,accurately identifying the eco-innovation efficiency of these companies and their convergence characteristics at various stages is vital for academics and policymakers.This study aims to examine the eco-innovation efficiency and convergence characteristics of listed mining enterprises in China.The eco-innovation process of mining enterprises is a complex,multi-stage input-output process from scientific research to result transformation.This study analyses the elements of the two stages of this process using a two-stage value chain perspective,constructing an evaluation index system for eco-innovation efficiency.The sample of 26 listed mining enterprises is measured using a network SBM-GML model of nonexpectation output super-efficiency,conducting δ convergence test,absolute β convergence test,and conditional β convergence test on eco-innovation efficiency.The results show that mining enterprises’ eco-innovation efficiency in China is suboptimal,with low efficiency in result transformation as the main reason.However,eco-innovation efficiency is improving dynamically.No δ convergence exists in the eco-innovation efficiency of mining enterprises,but absolute β convergence exists in the comprehensive eco-innovation efficiency and result transformation efficiency.Conditional β convergence is present in each stage of mining enterprises’ eco-innovation efficiency after the addition of three control variables,including equity concentration,regional economic level,and knowledge stock in the region.These variables negatively affect the efficiency of mining enterprises’ eco-innovation and the convergence of sub-stage efficiency.Therefore,policymakers and academics must focus on developing policies that enhance eco-innovation efficiency and convergence in mining enterprises,especially in result transformation.Finally,according to the results of the study,the efficiency of eco-innovation of mining enterprises is improved in four aspects,including adhering to the green development path of eco-innovation,promoting the transformation of the achievements of eco-innovation of enterprises,curbing the industrial surplus of enterprises,and optimising the concentration of equity of enterprises,so as to promote their smooth forward development.