Based on the provincial panel data of China from 2004 to 2020, this paper uses the empirical model of mediating effect to theoretically analyze and empirically test the mechanism of environmental regulation affecting pollution emissions, and the mediating effect of manufacturing technology’s progress. The study of this paper found that the improvement of pollution treatment technology is not the only technical means to reduce the level of pollution emissions. The progress of manufacturing production technology has a crucial role in promoting the reduction of pollution emissions. The high-quality development of the manufacturing industry and the improvement of the production technology level means that pollution emissions can be effectively reduced from the source. At the same time, although environmental regulation can have a significant positive impact on reducing pollution emissions, the progress of manufacturing production technology is a crucial intermediary variable for environmental regulation to promote pollution reduction. The above research conclusions have passed the influence mechanism test of this paper. Through the heterogeneity test, this study also found that in the stage of higher manufacturing development scale and technology level, manufacturing technology progress’ intermediary role as an environmental regulation affecting pollution emissions, is more apparent, and the role of environmental regulation in promoting pollution reduction is more prominent. The degree of effect increases with the improvement of the production technology level of the manufacturing industry. After the robustness test, the research conclusion of this paper is still valid. According to the conclusions of the research, this paper puts forward policy suggestions that should be oriented to promote the upgrade of manufacturing technology, introduce environmental regulation policies, support manufacturing enterprises to increase the innovative application of energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies, and vigorously develop and expand high-tech manufacturing.

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the economy and industry has gradually extended from the macroeconomic to the microeconomic level. Artificial intelligence technology has brought great innovation and impact to the company’s operation and management and has a strong role in promoting the level of corporate governance. Based on an in-depth analysis of the theoretical mechanism of artificial intelligence affecting corporate governance, and based on the balanced panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020, this paper empirically analyzes the mechanism and intermediary effect of artificial intelligence affecting corporate governance. The study found that AI applications can significantly improve corporate governance levels, and a higher level of artificial intelligence application can produce a higher level of corporate governance. From the perspective of the impact path, artificial intelligence technology can significantly improve the degree of information symmetry required for corporate governance, thereby providing favorable technical conditions and decision support for improving the level of corporate governance. Artificial intelligence technology has a positive and effective impact on corporate governance through the information symmetry effect.