Research on the configuration paths of low-carbon transition in energy-intensive manufacturing enterprises from the perspective of resource orchestration

WANG Yiqing; WU Peng

doi:10.13202/j.cnki.cer.2026.01.12

Abstract：Under the background of the"dual carbon"goals,the low-carbon transition of energy-intensive manufacturing enterprises has become an important issue in promoting high-quality development.However,existing research mostly focuses on static perspectives and lacks a systematic exploration of the dynamic evolution mechanism throughout the entire process of low-carbon transition.Based on the resource orchestration theory,this paper constructs an analytical framework that includes the transition foundation,transition resources,and transition environment.It divides the low-carbon transition of enterprises into three stages:initial,development,and maturity.Using a sample of listed energy-intensive manufacturing companies in 2022 and applying qualitative comparative analysis,this study identifies the configuration paths that drive high-level low-carbon transition in a phased manner and reveals their cross-stage evolution patterns.The research finds that no single factor constitutes a necessary condition for low-carbon transition;instead,the effectiveness of the transition depends on the synergistic interaction of multiple elements.The driving paths at different stages show significant differences:the initial stage is dominated by external pressures;the development stage differentiates into three types of paths-subject-driven,resource-driven,and hybrid-driven;while the maturity stage shifts to a transition model dominated by internal capabilities and internal-external coordination.Cross-stage comparisons further indicate that the low-carbon transition of enterprises exhibits dynamic characteristics,evolving from being driven by external regulations to the construction of endogenous capabilities,and from single dependency to multi-dimensional synergy.