CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND THE TRANSITION TO A GREEN ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM PHU THỌ PROVINCE, AND DIRECTIONS FOR PHU THỌ PROVINCE AFTER THE MERGER

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly recognized as a strategic mechanism for driving green innovation in emerging economies. However, its role in accelerating green transition at the subnational level remains insufficiently examined, particularly in Vietnam, where provincial economic structures and governance capacities vary widely. This study investigates how CSR contributes to the green economic transition in Phu Tho Province, a rapidly industrializing region undergoing major administrative restructuring. Using secondary data from provincial statistical yearbooks, socio-economic reports (2022–2024), and policy documents, the study applies a conceptual framework linking economic, social, and environmental CSR with green innovation and sustainable performance. Results show that CSR practices have strengthened across all three dimensions, facilitating renewable energy adoption, cleaner production, labor welfare improvement, and inclusive economic growth. Evidence indicates a shift from compliance-based CSR toward strategic, innovation-oriented CSR, driven by both regulatory pressure and supply-chain requirements. The study contributes theoretically by extending CSR–green innovation research to the provincial scale, and practically by identifying policy mechanisms for institutionalizing CSR in the new post-merger governance structure.