Introduction and research baselines

Green technologies, often referred to as greentech, represent a multifaceted approach to addressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainability across various sectors. Olawumi et al. (2023) declared that these technologies encompass a wide range of interdisciplinary and environmentally friendly solutions aimed at minimizing ecological impact and preserving natural resources. Unlike traditional environmental technologies, which primarily focus on mitigating pollution and waste, green technologies extend their scope to include sustainable practices and systems that promote long-term ecological balance and resilience (Yoshino et al. 2021, Trapp and Kanbach 2021, Lin et al. 2023, Bai et al. 2023, Jonsdottir et al. 2023). Essentially, green technology leverages scientific and technological advancements to safeguard the Earth’s natural resources, promoting a harmonious relationship between human activities and the environment. Whether through renewable energy sources, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, sustainable agriculture, or waste management solutions, green technologies play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come (Zhou et al. 2021, Gao et al. 2022, Yoshino et al. 2023; Majekodunmi et al. 2023, Bakhsh et al. 2024).

The presence and adoption of green technologies hold particular significance for non-developed countries, especially those situated at medium and low levels of high-tech sciences. These nations often face unique challenges stemming from limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities (Li et al. 2022). Moreover, they are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change phenomena such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions in agricultural patterns. In such contexts, green technologies offer invaluable opportunities to leapfrog traditional development pathways and embrace sustainable practices that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Utilizing green technologies allows developing nations to tackle critical environmental issues while also fostering economic development, social inclusivity, and long-term resilience (Suki et al. 2022). These technologies, as stated by Guo et al. (2020) provide scalable and cost-effective solutions for energy access, water management, agriculture, and disaster preparedness, empowering communities to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, Wu and Strezov (2023) argue that embracing green technologies can stimulate local innovation, generate job opportunities, and improve the well-being of populations in developing countries, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The economies involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are pivotal to advancing global sustainability and promoting green technology adoption. In 2017, carbon dioxide emissions from BRI countries totaled an alarming 11.76 billion tons, accounting for roughly 35.81% of global emissions (Su et al. 2022), highlighting their significant environmental impact. Furthermore, the extensive investments in fossil fuel infrastructure under the BRI framework present substantial obstacles to addressing climate change. While the initiative offers vast opportunities for economic development, its dependence on fossil fuels intensifies environmental harm and hinders progress toward sustainability goals (Zhang et al. 2022). Consequently, tackling sustainability challenges within BRI economies is essential for meeting international climate objectives. By prioritizing investments in renewable energy, encouraging innovation in green technologies, and adopting sustainable development strategies, BRI nations can minimize their environmental footprint and contribute positively to global sustainability efforts (Liu and Ma 2023).

The research goal of this paper is to model the import of green technologies in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries using the Inter-Countries Trade Forces (ITF) approach proposed by Rasoulinezhad and Jabalameli (2019). The motivation behind exploring green technology imports lies in its significance for global sustainability levels, as it elucidates the determinants of the mobility of green technologies among countries worldwide. This study seeks to offer insights into the factors influencing green technology imports in BRI countries by applying the ITF approach, which takes into account various trade forces that shape international trade patterns. Understanding these determinants is crucial for formulating effective policies and strategies to promote the adoption and diffusion of green technologies, thereby fostering sustainable development and mitigating environmental degradation on a global scale.

This paper stands as one of the pioneering studies to utilize the Inter-Countries Trade Forces (ITF) approach for modeling the import of green technologies into Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. By employing this innovative methodology, the study contributes to filling a significant gap in the literature concerning the determinants of green technology mobility within the BRI framework. The application of the ITF approach offers a novel perspective on understanding the complex dynamics underlying the import of green technologies, shedding light on the interplay of various trade forces shaping these patterns.

The insights and findings presented in this paper offer practical implications for both Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies and other countries seeking to regulate and establish efficient pathways for the importation of green technologies as a means to promote sustainability and green projects. By comprehensively analyzing the determinants of green technology imports using the Inter-Countries Trade Forces (ITF) approach, this study provides valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders involved in sustainable development initiatives. Understanding the factors driving the importation of green technologies is crucial for formulating effective policies and strategies aimed at accelerating the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and fostering sustainable practices. The findings of this research not only benefit BRI countries but also serve as a valuable resource for other nations seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts through the integration of green technologies into their economies. In the subsequent sections, the paper delves into a thorough literature review in Section “Relevant literature review”, providing background context in Section “Theoretical background”. Section “Research material and empirical model” outlines the materials studied, while Section “Estimation results” discusses the findings. Finally, Section “Conclusion, policies and future expansion” concludes the paper by summarizing key policy points, and future steps for making more contributions.

Relevant literature review

In this section of the paper, we conduct a comprehensive literature review by categorizing relevant studies. By reviewing each category, we aim to identify existing gaps and highlight the novel contributions of our research.

Category #1: Green technologies and sustainability

Green technologies play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability efforts globally. These technologies encompass a wide range of interdisciplinary approaches aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency. For instance, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower have garnered significant attention as viable alternatives to fossil fuels, offering cleaner and more sustainable sources of power (Wu and Strezov 2023; He et al. 2023). Additionally, advancements in energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, contribute to the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into existing grids, enhancing reliability and efficiency (Wang et al. 2021; Khattak and Ahmad 2022). Green technologies extend beyond the energy sector to include innovations in waste management, transportation, agriculture, and construction, among others. For example, smart grid technologies enable more efficient energy distribution and consumption, reducing waste and improving system resilience (Satankar, 2024). Moreover, sustainable agriculture practices, such as precision farming and organic cultivation methods, promote biodiversity conservation and soil health while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (Guo et al. 2020).

Category #2: Green transformation in economic sectors

It is widely discussed that the green transformation of economic sectors is a critical component of sustainable development strategies worldwide. This transformation involves shifting traditional industries towards more environmentally friendly practices and technologies to reduce their ecological footprint and promote long-term sustainability. In the manufacturing sector, for example, initiatives such as eco-friendly production processes, waste reduction, and recycling programs are being implemented to minimize resource consumption and pollution (Cheba et al. 2022; Rasoulinezhad and Taghizadeh-Hesary 2022, Ran et al. 2023; Ghorbani et al. 2024; Zhang et al. 2024; Rasoulinezhad 2025; Sabri and Rasoulinezhad 2025). Similarly, the transportation sector is undergoing a green transformation through the adoption of electric vehicles, improved public transportation systems, and the development of alternative fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen (Lv and Chen 2024; Kim et al. 2025). Furthermore, the construction industry is embracing green building practices, including energy-efficient design, sustainable materials, and renewable energy integration, to construct eco-friendly infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions (Lis and Mackiewicz 2023; Hua et al. 2024).

Category #3: BRI economies and sustainable progress

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies play a crucial role in the global pursuit of sustainable progress. With over 140 countries and international organizations participating in the initiative, BRI economies represent a significant portion of the world’s population and economic activity. Sustainable progress within BRI economies is essential for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss (Zhang et al. 2021; Li et al. 2022). BRI projects have the potential to promote sustainable development by investing in green infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and environmentally friendly technologies (Ma et al. 2024). However, there are also concerns about the environmental impact of BRI investments, particularly with regard to carbon emissions and ecological degradation (Xu 2023). To ensure sustainable progress in BRI economies, it is essential to integrate environmental considerations into BRI projects, adopt green finance mechanisms, and promote cooperation on environmental protection among participating countries (Wang et al. 2023).

Literature gap and novel insights

This paper presents a novel approach that utilizes the Inter-Countries Trade Forces (ITF) methodology to examine the import dynamics of green technologies in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. This innovative strategy enables a thorough exploration of the factors that affect the adoption and dissemination of sustainable technologies across various economic environments. By emphasizing the ITF framework, the study highlights the complex interactions between trade forces, economic policies, and environmental considerations, thereby offering valuable insights into the factors influencing green technology imports within the BRI framework.

Theoretical background

The global market for green technologies has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, with exports from advanced economies rising sharply from around $60 billion in 2018 to more than $156 billion by 2021. This notable surge has been largely driven by trade in essential technologies, including solar panels, wind energy systems, and electric mobility solutions. By 2022, worldwide exports of green technologies had reached an all-time high of $1.9 trillion, reflecting an increase of over $100 billion compared to the previous year. Among the key growth areas were hybrid and electric vehicles, sustainable packaging alternatives, and wind energy equipment, all of which experienced substantial market gains. Certain regions also demonstrated significant import activity, with the European Union purchasing €22.6 billion worth of solar panels in 2022—an impressive 145% rise from the prior year. Additionally, nations such as China continue to strengthen their market-driven green technology innovation frameworks, targeting further advancements by 2025.

The import dynamics of green technologies can be accurately analyzed using the Inter-Countries Trade Forces (ITF) model introduced by Rasoulinezhad and Jabalameli (2019). This approach (Eq. (1)) provides a structured methodology for examining and forecasting trade flows between nations by incorporating multiple influencing variables. The ITF model fundamentally accounts for trade-driving forces, such as the economic scale of participating countries, population size, levels of economic uncertainty, and the extent of trade liberalization (Eq. (2)).

$${Trade\; between\; countries}={Function}({gravitational\; forces})$$
(1)
$${Gravitational\; forces}={Function}({economic\; size},{population\; size},{economic\; uncertainty},{trade\; liberalization})$$
(2)

The economic size of countries plays a significant role in shaping their imports of green technologies. Larger economies typically have greater financial resources and infrastructure capabilities, allowing them to invest more heavily in sustainable technologies. As a result, countries with larger economic sizes often exhibit higher levels of demand for green technologies to support their renewable energy projects, environmental initiatives, and sustainability goals. Moreover, these countries may have established industries and markets for green technologies, enabling them to import a wide range of products such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Conversely, smaller economies may face constraints in terms of financial resources and market demand, limiting their capacity to import green technologies on a large scale. Additionally, the economic size of countries can influence their ability to invest in research and development, innovation, and technology adoption, all of which are crucial factors driving the import of green technologies.

The impact of population on green technology imports is multifaceted and can significantly influence the demand for sustainable solutions within a country. Countries with larger populations often face higher energy demands and environmental challenges due to increased consumption levels and urbanization. Consequently, these nations may prioritize the adoption of green technologies to address issues such as air pollution, resource depletion, and climate change mitigation. The size of the population also affects market dynamics, as larger consumer bases can drive economies of scale and facilitate the uptake of renewable energy sources and eco-friendly products. Additionally, population growth trends can shape long-term sustainability strategies and infrastructure investments, influencing the importation of green technologies to support population-driven initiatives. Conversely, smaller populations may have less immediate pressure to invest in green technologies but may still prioritize sustainability goals to preserve natural resources and enhance quality of life.

Economic uncertainty can significantly impact the importation of green technologies in several ways. During periods of economic instability, countries may prioritize short-term economic objectives over long-term sustainability goals, leading to reduced investment in green technology imports. Uncertainty in financial markets, currency fluctuations, and changes in government policies can also create barriers to entry for green technology suppliers, affecting trade dynamics. Moreover, economic uncertainty may influence consumer confidence and investor sentiment, affecting demand for green products and technologies. Countries experiencing economic volatility may prioritize cost-saving measures over sustainability initiatives, potentially slowing the adoption of green technologies. Conversely, stable economic conditions can provide a conducive environment for investment in sustainable solutions, driving demand for green technology imports and fostering innovation in renewable energy, resource efficiency, and environmental management.

The expansion of trade liberalization significantly influences the import of green technologies by eliminating trade barriers and fostering global collaboration. Lowering tariffs, removing quotas, and easing other restrictions can enhance the cross-border exchange of sustainable innovations, allowing nations to adopt a wider array of eco-friendly solutions. Additionally, open trade policies stimulate competition and drive advancements in green technology by integrating domestic industries into international markets and exposing them to global best practices. Furthermore, regional trade agreements and cooperative frameworks can support sustainability efforts by harmonizing standards and regulations for environmentally friendly technologies. However, it is crucial to complement trade liberalization with policies that address environmental and social challenges, such as ensuring ethical labor practices, conserving natural resources, and minimizing ecological harm.

Figure 1 outlines the conceptual mainstreams according to the ITF approach.

Fig. 1: Conceptual mainstream.
figure 1

Source: Authors’ compilation.

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Research material and empirical model

This study aims to investigate the import of green technologies, encompassing smart grids, electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and hydraulic turbines, into 30 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries spanning the years 2010 to 2020. Utilizing the Inter-Countries Trade Forces (ITF) approach, the research focuses on understanding the factors influencing the importation of these green technologies. The chosen BRI countries include Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Qatar, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The dependent variable in this analysis is the volume of green technology imports (smart grids (HS code of 9032899), electric vehicle (HS code of 8703), solar panel (HS code of 854143), wind turbines (HS code of 850300), hydrolic turbines (HS code of 8410)), while the independent variables are derived from the ITF model, incorporating economic uncertainty, population size, economic size, and financial development. Notably, trade openness is excluded to mitigate the risk of multicollinearity within the empirical model. Table 1 presents a comprehensive overview of the variables utilized in the study.

Table 1 Overview of the characteristics of the variables.
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The anticipated signs of the impacts of Economic Uncertainty, Population Size, Economic Size, and Financial Development on green technologies imports in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies are as follows:

It is expected that an increase in economic uncertainty will have a negative impact on green technologies imports in BRI economies. Higher economic uncertainty may lead to reduced investment and spending in green technologies as businesses and consumers become more cautious amidst uncertain economic conditions. Moreover, a larger population size is anticipated to have a positive impact on green technologies imports in BRI economies. With a larger population, there is likely to be greater demand for infrastructure, energy, and transportation solutions, leading to increased imports of green technologies to meet these needs. Furthermore, a larger economic size is expected to have a positive impact on green technologies imports in BRI economies. Countries with larger economies typically have greater financial resources and purchasing power, allowing them to invest more in green technologies and import advanced sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges. Finally, higher levels of financial development are anticipated to have a positive impact on green technologies imports in BRI economies. Well-developed financial systems provide easier access to capital and investment opportunities, facilitating the financing of green technology projects and enabling countries to import advanced sustainable solutions to support their development goals.

The estimation of the independent variable coefficients begins with the application of the Breusch-Pagan (1980) test to detect cross-sectional dependence. Next, the stationarity of the series in the model is assessed using the CIPS (Cross-sectionally IPS) and CADF (Cross-Sectionally ADF) unit root tests introduced by Pesaran (2007). To analyze the long-term relationship between the variables, the Westerlund (2007) approach is applied. Subsequently, the panel co-integration model is estimated through the CUP-BC (Continuously Updated Biased Corrected) method, which accounts for cross-sectional dependence in panel data (Wen et al. 2023). Finally, the FMOLS (Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares) method is employed to reexamine the independent variable coefficients, ensuring the results are both robust and reliable.

Estimation results

After scrutinizing the variables and the estimation process, we represent the descriptive statistics of the variables in Table 2 as follows.

Table 2 Descriptive statistics of the variables.
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The table suggests that all five variables—Green Technologies Imports, Economic Uncertainty, Population Size, Economic Size, and Financial Development—are approximately normally distributed. Each variable has skewness values close to zero, indicating symmetry around the mean, and kurtosis values near zero, suggesting that the distributions have tail behavior similar to a normal distribution. With 330 observations for each variable, this sample size provides robust insights into their distributions, and the low skewness and kurtosis values across variables indicate minimal deviation from normality, meaning they are likely close to normally distributed.

Next, we employ the Breusch-Pagan LM test to investigate the presence of cross-sectional dependence among the variables. The results of the CD test, as depicted in Table 3, reject the null hypothesis indicating no cross-sectional dependence, thus confirming the existence of cross-sectional dependence among the variables.

Table 3 CD test results.
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The outcomes of the CD test validate the existence of cross-sectional dependence among the study’s cross-sections. Consequently, we resort to the utilization of the second generation of panel unit root tests, specifically CIPS and CADF, renowned for their superior performance in scenarios of cross-sectional dependence. Tables 4 and 5 display the results of the panel unit root tests, demonstrating that all variables exhibit stationarity at the 1% level.

Table 4 First panel unit root test result (CADF examination).
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Table 5 Second panel unit root test result (CIPS examination).
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With the stationarity of the data confirmed, our next step involves assessing the long-term cointegration among the indicators using the Westerlund (2007) cointegration test. The outcomes, as elaborated in Table 6, confirm that the variables indeed display long-term co-integration.

Table 6 Westerlund (2007)’s co-integration identification outcome.
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The coefficients of the independent variables are evaluated using the CUP-BC approach, and the results are outlined in Table 7 for analysis.

Table 7 Estimation argument.
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The findings suggest that economic uncertainty negatively impacts the import of green technologies among countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a coefficient of 0.54%. This indicates that heightened economic risk significantly restricts the flow of green technologies within BRI nations. Several reasons contribute to this effect. First, financial instability can deter investment in sustainable technologies by creating market unpredictability, discouraging investors, and limiting capital allocation to green initiatives. Moreover, uncertain economic conditions often lead businesses and consumers to adopt more conservative spending habits, reducing demand for environmentally friendly technologies (Shabir et al. 2022). Additionally, economic uncertainty can undermine regulatory stability and policy consistency, making the business environment less predictable and discouraging investments in green technology infrastructure and innovation (Bakhsh and Zhang 2023).

The estimation results indicate that population growth within Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries correlates with a decline of approximately 0.25% in green technology imports. Several factors may contribute to this pattern. First, rapid population expansion can strain resources and infrastructure, leading to a shift in investment priorities away from sustainable initiatives, including green technology adoption. In such cases, limited financial resources may be directed toward addressing pressing socio-economic challenges rather than long-term environmental goals. Additionally, increased population density can intensify competition for land, energy, and other essential resources, making it more difficult to prioritize green technology p.

The findings indicate that a 1% increase in economic size is associated with a 0.05% decrease in the import of green technologies into Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. This negative effect can be attributed to several factors. First, larger economies often have established infrastructures and industries that heavily depend on traditional, non-green technologies. Shifting to green technologies typically necessitates significant investments in upgrading infrastructure, retraining workers, and modifying existing industrial processes, which can be viewed as expensive and disruptive in larger economies. Additionally, there may be resistance from vested interests that prefer to maintain the status quo, especially when powerful incumbent industries rely on fossil fuels or other unsustainable practices. Furthermore, economic size is often linked to higher levels of industrialization and energy consumption, which can result in larger environmental footprints and increased energy demands, hindering the prioritization of green technology adoption. Moreover, larger economies may encounter more complex regulatory environments, bureaucratic hurdles, and vested interests, which could obstruct the rapid adoption and implementation of green technology policies and initiatives.

The analysis indicates that financial development positively influences green technologies imports into Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies, with a 1% increase in this variable correlating with a 0.37% increase in green technologies imports. Several factors contribute to this positive relationship. Firstly, enhanced financial development typically signifies greater access to capital, investment opportunities, and financial resources, which are essential for financing green technology projects and initiatives. Financial institutions, such as banks and venture capital firms, play a crucial role in providing funding and support for green technology startups, research and development efforts, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Additionally, a well-developed financial sector fosters innovation and entrepreneurship by facilitating the flow of funds to promising green technology ventures and projects. Moreover, financial development is often associated with greater investor confidence, market stability, and risk management capabilities, which are conducive to attracting investments in green technologies. Furthermore, robust financial markets and regulatory frameworks can incentivize private sector participation in sustainable development initiatives, including green technology adoption and deployment.

An in-depth examination of variables within the Inter-Countries Trade Forces (ITF) framework indicates that financial development is the primary driver of green technology imports among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies. This finding underscores the crucial role of robust financial systems in enabling access to sustainable technologies by providing essential funding, credit mechanisms, and financial instruments. Conversely, factors such as economic size, population growth, and economic uncertainty present significant obstacles to the adoption and trade of green technologies. Among these, economic uncertainty has the most pronounced negative effect, reducing green technology imports by 0.54%. This emphasizes the importance of economic stability in creating a supportive environment for sustainable technology adoption. Uncertainty—often linked to shifting policies, market volatility, and unpredictable economic growth—deters long-term investments in green technologies. This issue is particularly pronounced in developing BRI economies, where financial instability and limited institutional capacity amplify these challenges.

Expanding on these insights, it is essential to consider how these variables interact and their broader implications for policy and economic development. The lack of a significant correlation between economic size, population growth, and green technology imports suggests that larger economies or higher population levels do not necessarily lead to increased adoption of sustainable technologies unless accompanied by supportive measures such as financial incentives and favorable policies. Additionally, mitigating economic risks, such as political instability and currency fluctuations, could help reduce their adverse impact on green technology trade and investment.

Additionally, we utilize the Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) technique to reassess the coefficients of independent variables, aiming to ensure the robustness and reliability of the obtained results. The findings, depicted in Table 8, confirm that only financial development yields a positive impact, while the remaining variables exhibit negative and statistically significant impacts on green technologies imports.

Table 8 Analysis of robustness check.
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Conclusion, policies and future expansion

This study investigates the import of green technologies, including smart grids, electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and hydraulic turbines, into 30 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2010 to 2020. Economic uncertainty, or risk, is found to exert a significant negative impact (0.54%) on green technologies imports within BRI economies, suggesting that heightened economic risk poses a substantial barrier to the mobility of green technologies among these countries. Several factors contribute to this trend, including ambiguity in financial markets, cautious spending behaviors, and unpredictable regulatory frameworks. Additionally, an increase in population size correlates with a deceleration (0.25%) in green technologies imports, likely due to resource strain and challenges in coordinating sustainability policies. Economic size shows a negative impact (0.05%) on green technologies imports, attributed to established infrastructures and industries reliant on non-green technologies. In contrast, financial development positively influences green technologies imports, with a 1% increase corresponding to a 0.37% increase. Overall, economic uncertainty emerges as the most influential barrier to green technologies imports, highlighting the depth of the challenge in BRI economies.

The findings of this study carry significant policy implications for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies seeking to promote the mobilization of green technologies imports and foster sustainable development. Firstly, there is a pressing need to prioritize policies that encourage eco-friendly economic growth by incentivizing the adoption of green technologies and sustainable practices across various sectors. Governments can offer tax incentives, subsidies, and grants to businesses investing in renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and green infrastructure projects. Additionally, promoting research and development in green technologies through public-private partnerships can spur innovation and technological advancements, driving sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, BRI economies can benefit from initiatives aimed at building smart cities that integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance urban sustainability and livability. By investing in smart infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings, public transportation systems, and digital connectivity, cities can reduce carbon emissions, improve resource efficiency, and enhance quality of life for residents. Moreover, policymakers should prioritize waste management initiatives in urban areas to mitigate environmental pollution and promote circular economy principles. Implementing recycling programs, waste-to-energy facilities, and sustainable waste management practices can minimize landfill waste and reduce environmental degradation in rapidly urbanizing BRI economies. Additionally, fostering the development of financial markets and institutions is crucial for facilitating the flow of capital towards green technology projects and initiatives. BRI economies should focus on strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving access to financing for green investments, and promoting sustainable investment practices among financial institutions. By enhancing transparency, accountability, and risk management in financial markets, countries can attract domestic and foreign investment in green technologies and sustainable infrastructure projects.

As the field of sustainable development continues to evolve, further research can delve into exploring the role of regional trade agreements (RTAs) on green technologies imports within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies. Investigating how RTAs influence the flow of green technologies across regions can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of trade policies in promoting sustainable development goals. By analyzing the impact of RTAs on tariff reductions, market access, and regulatory harmonization for green technologies, researchers can assess the extent to which regional trade agreements facilitate or hinder the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in BRI countries. Moreover, future studies can examine the role of China’s sustainable policies in promoting green technologies imports within the Belt and Road Initiative. As a key player in the BRI, China’s initiatives and investments in renewable energy, clean technology, and environmental sustainability have the potential to significantly influence the adoption of green technologies across participating countries. By assessing the impact of China’s green finance initiatives, technology transfer programs, and sustainable infrastructure projects on green technologies imports in BRI economies, researchers can provide valuable insights into the drivers and barriers of sustainable development within the region. Additionally, investigating China’s role as a leader in promoting international cooperation on climate change and green technology innovation can shed light on the broader implications of China’s sustainable policies for global sustainability efforts.