In the context of economic globalization, the logistics industry, as a key link connecting production and consumption, is facing many challenges, and at the same time, ESG scores are gradually becoming a key indicator of the ability to measure the sustainable development of enterprises. Most of the existing literature focuses on a single dimension to explore the impact of ESG on logistics companies, and fewer analyze how ESG scores can empower listed logistics companies to achieve high-quality development from the perspectives of digital transformation and green innovation at the same time. In addition, in terms of research methodology, existing studies in the literature are deficient in systematic data analysis and scientific construction of models, and lack comprehensive robustness tests. This article focuses on how ESG ratings can empower listed logistics companies to achieve high-quality development and explores this issue from two perspectives: digital transformation and green innovation. This paper conducts an empirical analysis based on the data of listed companies in the logistics industry, and the results of the study show that there is a significant positive correlation between ESG scores and both the size and operational efficiency of logistics companies. Further mechanistic tests show that ESG scores can promote innovation in logistics enterprises, and when disaggregated, they are found to be effective in promoting digital transformation and upgrading as well as green innovation. Meanwhile, the robustness and reliability of the study's conclusions are fully demonstrated through a comprehensive robustness test, including various aspects of variable measurement, sample selection, and endogeneity issue treatment. This study not only enriches the theoretical framework about high-quality development and ESG scoring of logistics enterprises at the theoretical level, but also provides a scientific decision-making basis for managers of logistics enterprises in practice. In addition, the research results also provide important reference value for government regulators and investors and help promote sustainable development and standardized management of the logistics industry.
Keywords: Digital transformation and upgrading; ESG scores; Green innovation development; High-quality development; Logistics enterprises.
© 2025. The Author(s).