The role of environmental regulation and green human capital towards sustainable development: The mediating role of green innovation and industry upgradation

The future of the globe depends upon sustainable development, where there is the least possible negative impact of development on the environment. Technology plays a critical role in development, but it also produces harmful environmental impacts in the form of CO2 emissions, waste production, etc. There is an urgent need to ensure sustainable development per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Human capital and advanced technologies can help achieve the SDGs' targets. This research aims to determine the impact of green human capital and environmental regulation on green innovation and green industry upgrading for sustainable development. The results show that green human capital positively impacts green innovation, green industry upgrading, and sustainable development. Environmental regulations positively impact green industry upgrading, but their impact on green innovation and sustainable development was not found. Green innovation and green industry upgrading both have positive impacts on sustainable development. The study concludes that green human capital should be the first focus for policymakers and organizations for sustainable development, green innovation, and green industry upgradation. And at the same time, policymakers and organizations need to know why environmental regulation is insignificant in these countries. The findings benefit policymakers, sustainable development research organizations, and governments, especially for attaining SGD 7, SGD 9, and SGD 12.