The Impact of Quality Management Maturity on Carbon Reduction Performance in Intelligent Manufacturing Enterprises: An Empirical Analysis Based on Digital Transformation Capability

Abstract

With the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing and the increasing global demand for carbon neutrality, improving carbon reduction performance has become a critical objective for manufacturing enterprises. This study investigates the impact of quality management maturity on carbon reduction performance in intelligent manufacturing enterprises and examines the mediating role of digital transformation capability. Based on survey data collected from manufacturing enterprises, an empirical model is established using structural equation modeling to explore the relationships  among quality management maturity, digital transformation capability, and carbon reduction performance. The results indicate that quality management maturity significantly promotes carbon reduction performance by enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing resource allocation, and strengthening environmental management practices. Furthermore, digital transformation capability plays a significant mediating role by facilitating data-driven decision-making, intelligent process optimization, and sustainable production management. This study extends the existing literature on quality management and green manufacturing by integrating digital transformation capabilities into the framework of carbon  performance  improvement. The findings provide practical  implications for intelligent manufacturing enterprises seeking to achieve low-carbon development through management  innovation  and  digital transformation.