DIGITAL ECONOMY STRUCTURING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF CSR AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY IN IMPROVING GREEN STOCK: EVIDENCE FROM VIETNAM

Abstract

Amidst contemporary climate change and environmental challenges, sustainability has become a global imperative, requiring substantial commitment from both academics and policymakers. This empirical study examines how corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green technology affect sustainable development, using green stock as a mediating variable and the digital economy as a moderating component. The research investigates these dynamics from an employee-centric perspective, focusing on Vietnam's manufacturing sector to address a contextual research gap. Utilising partial least squares (PLS) methodology, the findings indicate that both CSR initiatives and green technology exert a positive impact on sustainable development. This suggests that CSR-driven activities not only enhance environmental performance but also that green technology optimises firms' manufacturing processes. Additionally, the results demonstrate that green stock mediates the relationship between CSR, green technology, and sustainable development, emphasising the role of programmes such as green stock in fostering inclusive growth among businesses. Furthermore, the moderating effect of the digital economy underscores the importance of digital transformation in enhancing business operational efficiency and driving green technological innovation. The study's identification of both mediation and moderation highlights the synergistic integration of these elements, fostering an enabling environment that supports long-term sustainability.