Internal logic and driving path of enterprise green innovation performance improvement under TOE framework: based on linkage effect analysis of fsQCA and NCA

Specialized and sophisticated enterprises, as a crucial component in the implementation of innovation strategies, serve as the cornerstone for promoting high-quality economic development. The enhancement of the status and green innovation performance of specialized and emerging enterprises is a pressing issue that necessitates immediate attention. Drawing upon the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, this study examines a sample of 123 specialized and sophisticated enterprises to investigate the underlying mechanisms and pathways through which they enhance their green innovation performance, employing necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results indicate that: (1) The single antecedent factor is not a necessary condition for achieving high green innovation performance in NCA; (2) There are four types of configuration paths involving the coupling and interaction of internal and external factors that can lead to high green innovation performance in specialized and sophisticated enterprises SMEs: technology organization-driven, capital abundance-driven, multiple synergy-driven, and innovative technology-driven. These findings contribute to the research on green innovation performance and offer practical insights into how to improve it in specialized and sophisticated enterprises.