The study on the impact of environmental regulation on ecological innovation: considering the joint action of internal and external factors

Abstract

Purpose The impact of environmental regulations on ecological innovation is a contested issue in current research. However, there is no uniform consensus on existing conclusions. It is commonly accepted among scholars that external environment and organizational characteristics are key factors affecting ecological innovation. However, these are often analyzed in isolation, without consideration of the interaction between leadership and external environment. So this study aims to explore the impact of environmental regulation on ecological innovation by combining internal and external factors. Design/methodology/approach Based on institutional theory and leadership theory, this paper takes environmental regulation as the independent variable, environmental leadership as the intermediary variable and intellectual property protection level as the regulating variable to explore the impact mechanism of environmental regulation on ecological innovation. Findings The findings indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental regulation and ecological innovation. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between environmental leadership and intellectual property protection level with ecological innovation. Furthermore, environmental leadership partially mediates the relationship between environmental regulation and ecological innovation. However, the level of intellectual property protection does not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between environmental leadership and ecological innovation. Originality/value This paper proposes suggestions for regional ecological innovation based on the current policy and research situation to promote its development.