Does Carbon Trading Policy Enhance the Autonomy and Controllability of Green Enterprises in Supply Chains? A Study of the Chain-Mediating Effects of Green Ambidextrous Innovation

Enhancing the Autonomy and Controllability of green enterprises is crucial for promoting the sustainable development of a green, low-carbon economy. Carbon trading policy has garnered widespread attention across China, offering a novel approach to enhancing the capabilities of Chinese green enterprises. This study aims to explore the impact of carbon trading policies on the Autonomy and Controllability of green enterprises. By introducing the mediating variable of Green ambidextrous innovation, the action mechanism between carbon trading policies and the Autonomy and Controllability of green enterprises is analyzed. In addition, the internal action mechanism of Green ambidextrous innovation is revealed, providing a reference for improving the Autonomy and Controllability of green enterprises and building a global safe and controllable green supply chain. Drawing on data from 126 publicly-listed green companies in China, this study constructs a chain mediation framework based on the logic of “Carbon Trading Policy—Green ambidextrous innovation—Autonomy and Controllability of Green Enterprises.” Utilizing the DID methodology, the analysis explores the impact and mechanisms of the carbon trading policy on green enterprises’ Autonomy and Controllability. The findings indicate that the carbon trading policy significantly enhances the Autonomy and Controllability of green enterprises. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the policy boosts the controllability of green enterprise customers through Green ambidextrous innovation, although its effect is not significant. Additionally, the study identifies internal mechanisms within Green ambidextrous innovation that influence these capabilities. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the carbon trading policy has a particularly pronounced effect on the Autonomy and Controllability of green enterprises in western China and is more impactful for green factories compared to green supply chain enterprises.