How Does the Digital Transformation Affect the Carbon Emissions of Manufacturing Enterprises in China? The Perspective of Green Technology Innovation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Thank you for allowing me to review this manuscript.

This research tries to explain how the mechanism of digital transformation promotes carbon emissions mitigation, using data from 1900 companies in China.

The introduction is well-designed. It presents the general background of this study and discusses the main original contribution.

The literature review comprises relevant studies. Nevertheless, the critical perspective is largely missing, and the gaps in the current literature are insufficiently emphasized. Please comprehensively address this issue. In addition, including recent research, such as https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.07.065, https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316159, will increase the value of it.

Please overview section 2 for styling and phrase adjustments (e.g., lines 143-147: the two consecutive phrases are very similar).

Please provide an improved visibility for the variables selected for this study by including a table presenting the variables. Additionally, please provide the rationale behind choosing these variables and their significance for the main objective of the research.

The results are discussed in the context of previous research, creating a synergy between the existing knowledge in the field and this study's main findings.

The conclusions are adequate, and the policy recommendations are properly connected to the main results of this research, enhancing its practical value. 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

This paper focuses on the link between digital transformation and carbon emissions within the Chinese context

I think it is interesting as it addresses a topical issue resulting in the twin transformation, that is the convergence between the digital and energetic transion

I think the paper is well structured

I suggets its publication on this journal

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

I believe that more information should be added about the methodology used in data collection and analysis, as well as about the criteria for selecting the sample of companies. A more detailed exposition of the research methods would strengthen the validity and reliability of the obtained results.

The introduction should start by highlighting the importance of issues related to carbon dioxide accumulation and its impact on human health and ecosystems. The authors could provide a more detailed presentation of the specific challenges facing China in its transition to a low-carbon economy.

The authors should provide a concise overview of the article's structure, indicating the main sections and the order in which they will be presented. This would help orient readers and understand how the argumentation will be developed throughout the paper.

Consider engaging stakeholders such as industry practitioners, policy decision-makers, and environmental advocates to disseminate the findings and obtain feedback. Collaborating with these stakeholders could help ensure the relevance and applicability of the research findings and effectively communicate them to key decision-makers.

 Technical processing comments about text:

 • In section 3.4.4, you could add a short paragraph to explain why certain variables were selected as control variables and how they could influence the study results.

• Detail the data collection process: In section 3.5, provide more information on how the data was collected, cleaned, and processed for analysis. This could include details on data sources and specific procedures for data filtering and adjustment.

• For each of the tables presented in the article, it is recommended to introduce the source of the data.

• Line 660-661, provide the complete publication details in the bibliography (journal, volume, publisher, page).

 The authors could explicitly address the limitations of their study and suggest directions for future research that could extend or clarify the obtained results. This would demonstrate a critical approach and open up new opportunities for further development in the field.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors improved the manuscript by addressing the comments and suggestions.