Promoting blockchain technology in low-carbon management to achieve firm performance from a socio-economic perspective: Empirical evidence from China

Blockchain technology is a disruptive innovation that can accelerate carbon neutrality while maintaining business growth. However, its full potential has yet to be fully understood due to the complexity of its technical and socio-environmental characteristics. Drawing on socio-technical theory, this study aims to explore the main antecedents and their influencing mechanisms on blockchain-based low -carbon emission management, as well as investigate whether reducing carbon emissions leads to improved firm performance. Using data from 395 online respondents recruited from Chinese companies, the results of PLS-SEM indicate that cost -benefit efficiency, socioenvironmental competitive pressure, and environmental legitimacy positively influence both the basic and auxiliary adoption of blockchain in low -carbon emission management. Additionally, relative advantage and regulatory policy partially influence the adoption of blockchain, while technology readiness has no significant effect on either basic or auxiliary adoption. Furthermore, both the basic and auxiliary adoption of blockchain contribute to carbon emission reduction and improve firm performance (i.e., operational, economic, and social performance). The findings of this study will contribute to the growing literature and managerial practice regarding blockchain technology and carbon neutrality.