How does natural resource dependence influence industrial green transformation in China? Appraising underlying mechanisms for sustainable development at regional level

Natural resource and environmental carrying capacity bound industrial green transformation, and global economies are striving to ensure sustainable transformation. In response, efficient use of natural resources and reduced natural resource dependence have emerged as critical factors, mainly in industrial countries. Hence, this study empirically assesses how natural resource dependence affects industrial green transformation using Chinese regional data from 2008 to 2020. The results reveal that natural resource dependence inhibits industrial green transformation. Although the inhibitory effects of natural resource dependence are significant in both east-central and western regions, it is more pronounced in the east-central region. It inhibits industrial green transformation by dampening marketization, industrial structure upgrading, and human capital. These findings offer valuable suggestions for effective resource management.