This study investigates the impact of corporate scale on manufacturing corporate carbon efficiency (MCEE) using empirical analyses and diverse modeling techniques. Rigorous unit root and cointegration tests confirmed data stationarity and long-term equilibrium relationships. Benchmark regression analyses (including system GMM) revealed a robust, significantly positive association between corporate scale and MCEE, attributed to increased resources, technological advancements, and improved management. Robustness tests consistently reaffirmed this positive correlation. Nonlinear analyses showed varying impacts across MCEE quantiles, highlighting the consistent positive correlation. A panel threshold model underscored the influence of environmental regulations, R&D investments, and trade openness on this relationship, with stricter regulations intensifying the positive impact of corporate scale on MCEE. The research advocates for corporate expansion alongside optimized management and resource allocation, particularly in contexts influenced by environmental regulations, R&D, and trade openness.

Qiang Wang, Tingting Sun, Rongrong Li