Title: Does CSER is a driver of innovation? Evidence from French listed companies

Authors: Sana Triki Damak

Addresses: Faculty of Economics and Management of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract: This study examines whether socially responsible firms carry higher research and development (R&D) intensity and how corporate governance quality influences this investment. Based on a sample of French firms belonging to the SBF 120 index from 2012 to 2016, the results show that firms with higher corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSER) score have greater R&D intensity. These companies try to protect environment and to create positive social impact by the use of new technologies. Moreover, the findings confirm that firms with better corporate governance quality invest more on R&D. Finally, the results reveal that some control variables influence significantly R&D intensity. The findings in this research may be of practical interest to investors, sustainable professionals and modern consumers who are aware of social and environmental concerns and who are trying to keep themselves informed about strategies used by businesses to improve CSER practices.

Keywords: CSER; corporate social and environmental responsibility; research and development; corporate governance; board of directors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2021.114327

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2021 Vol.15 No.2, pp.143 - 158

Received: 29 Jan 2019
Accepted: 02 Jul 2019
Published online: 19 Apr 2021 *

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