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How do digital knowledge resources affect the carbon emission intensity of the pig industry?

Yanhua Xie (Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China)
Yimin Yang (Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China)
Lulu Yang (Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China)

Journal of Knowledge Management

ISSN: 1367-3270

Article publication date: 24 January 2025

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Abstract

Purpose

By exploring the impact of digital knowledge resources (DKR) on the carbon emission intensity of the pig industry (PCEI), this study aims to reveal the role of DKR in reducing PCEI.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on provincial panel data in China from 2011 to 2021, this study uses the entropy and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change coefficient methods to calculate the evaluation index system of DKR and PCEI, respectively. Empirical analysis using a panel fixed-effects model examines the influence of DKR on PCEI and its underlying mechanisms.

Findings

DKR can significantly reduce PCEI. This conclusion still holds even after undergoing endogeneity treatment and a series of robustness tests. Mechanism test results indicate that DKR can operate indirectly through the mediation mechanism of rural human capital (RHC) and pig breeding technology innovation (PTI), while environmental regulation intensity (ERI) plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between DKR and PCEI. The magnitude of the impact of DKR on PCEI depends on ERI. Further studies found that the impact of DKR on PCEI has obvious heterogeneity characteristics, and the promotion effect is more obvious in regions with good integration degrees and high development potential.

Practical implications

This paper divides DKR into three dimensions: digital technology knowledge (DTK), digital management knowledge (DMK) and digital application knowledge (DAK), providing a new framework for research and enriching the understanding of the relationship between DKR and PCEI. Furthermore, the research results reveal the application potential of DKR in the pig industry, particularly in terms of resource allocation efficiency. This is of great significance for promoting low-carbon development in the pig industry and provides insights for the low-carbon transformation of other industries. In addition, the study emphasizes the moderating effect of ERI on the mechanism of carbon reduction in the pig industry through DKR. This offers a new perspective for understanding the relationship between knowledge management and environmental governance, providing a reference basis for policy formulation in related fields.

Originality/value

This paper further enriches the role of DKR in the livestock industry. Integrating DKR with traditional industries promotes knowledge innovation, information distribution and utilization and scientific decision-making. This has significant value in promoting the development and application of carbon reduction technologies, enhancing industrial competitive advantages, and other aspects.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This paper is supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, China (Grant No. 2024JJ5211).

Author contributions: Yanhua Xie conducted writing of the original draft. Yimin Yang was responsible for the conception, design, review and editing. Lulu Yang contributed to the collection, and process of the data. All authors revised it critically for important intellectual content and agreed to submit the report for publication.

Declaration of interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Citation

Xie, Y., Yang, Y. and Yang, L. (2025), "How do digital knowledge resources affect the carbon emission intensity of the pig industry?", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-06-2024-0639

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited

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