Exploring how green innovation moderates the relationship between innovation strategies and CSR performance in the African States

Abstract

Abstract Innovation is increasingly recognized as a linchpin for CSR transformation within organizations. Beyond mere compliance, businesses are embracing innovation as a strategic imperative to address societal challenges. Using panel-data analysis spanning from 2014 to 2023, this paper investigates the relationship between innovation strategies and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performance, with a special emphasis on the moderating effect of Green Innovation (GI). We examine how panel data analysis shows, green innovation is found to be an important moderator that lessens the possible harm that China’s high-tech may cause to CSR. Results further shows that green innovations can positively moderate relationship between China’s high-tech and CSR. Further, we found several other key variables (state equity, innovation level, market value) to improve firm’s innovations and CSR performance. The findings of this study have important implications for practitioners to give sustainable innovation strategies top priority, and policymakers are advised to encourage ecologically friendly behaviour.

Keywords

• Corporate social responsibility
• Green innovation
• State equity
• China’s high-tech
• Market value