Amid the global shift towards innovation-driven development, this paper investigates the role of technology transfer in promoting green innovation. With increasing attention to sustainability and environmental protection, green innovation has become a key driver of long-term economic growth. This study examines the impact of the National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC) on urban green innovation in China. Using a panel dataset covering 283 cities from 2010 to 2021, we apply a multi-period difference-in-differences approach to evaluate the causal effect of NTTC establishment. The results show that NTTC significantly enhances urban green innovation, as reflected in the number of green patent applications and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. These findings provide empirical evidence that technology transfer institutions can effectively facilitate the diffusion and application of advanced green technologies, supporting sustainable technological development.This study contributes to the literature by linking institutional mechanisms directly to urban green innovation and providing micro-level evidence for evaluating innovation policy. The findings also have important policy implications, suggesting that governments can promote green development by establishing and strengthening technology transfer platforms to accelerate the adoption of green technologies. Overall, the paper offers insights for integrating technology transfer into strategies for sustainable growth, supporting both economic development and environmental objectives.
Junjin et al. (2026) studied this question.