Can R&D Address the Sustainability Challenge? Evidence from European listed

Abstract of Paper:

This study examines the relationship between research and development (R&D) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in the listed firms from different sectors in 13 European countries (including the UK) over the period 2011-2022. Using a panel dataset, the analysis explores the link between ESG score, R&D investment, and various control variables including returns of assets, firm size, firm age, and leverage. The results indicate a statistically significant positive association between R&D investment and ESG score, with stronger effects observed in individual ESG pillar scores. Firms that invest more in R&D tend to score higher on ESG metrics after controlling for firm characteristics. The findings provide implications for integrating innovation and sustainability strategies to generate shared economic and social benefits. By understanding these interlinkages, firms can develop practices that enhance long-term value creation for stakeholders. Our results are robust across a range of specifications.

Biography

Dr. Abdulkader Nahhas

Dr. Abdulkader Nahhas is a recognised expert in economics and finance, with a particular focus on innovation, sustainability, and financial markets. Dr. Nahhas is an Assistant Professor at the University of Plymouth in the UK, and he is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at Brunel University London. He has previously held academic positions at the University of Leicester, the University of Derby, Cardiff University, and the University of Exeter, and he possesses industry experience that blends rigorous research with real-world insights.

His research interests focus on international finance, innovation, and sustainability, offering evidence-based perspectives on global economic challenges. His work on innovation and sustainability focuses on studying Research and Development (R&D) policies and exploring the relationship between R&D investment and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, with a specific emphasis on the role of R&D in addressing sustainability challenges. Dr. Nahhas's research in international finance investigates the impact of exchange rate volatility on capital flows, analyses cross-border banking and lending patterns, and examines foreign direct investment (FDI) flows and their economic impacts. In financial analysis, his ability to merge advanced econometric analysis with practical implications makes him a speaker on global finance, innovation-driven growth, and economic resilience.

Dr. Nahhas has delivered presentations at prestigious international conferences such as the Royal Economic Society (RES), European Economic Association (EEA), and INFINITI Conference on International Finance, He has also been invited as a speaker for research seminars across different institutions. His research has been published in high-impact journals, and he currently serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Business Ethics, actively contributing as a reviewer for various high-impact journals.

Dr. Nahhas's work has been recognised and supported through several grants and awards, including the Vice-Chancellor's Research Prize from Brunel University London and the Vice-Chancellor's Prize from the University of Derby.

About the RAMP University Network Seminar Series on the Economics and Finance of Climate Change Adaptation

The RAMP University Network Seminar Series provides a forum for discussion on the latest research related to the economics and finance of climate change adaptation, including amongst others, research on climate change and macroeconomic and financial stability, climate change and sovereign risk, adaptation finance, disaster risk finance and insurance, climate-sensitive budgeting and public financial management, costs and benefits of investing in climate resilience, and programme design.

About the RAMP University Network

The University Network for Strengthening Macrofinancial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change was established to promote multi-disciplinary academic teaching and research in areas important for strengthening macrofinancial resilience to climate change. The University Network is a key part of the Resilience Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP). The objective of RAMP is to accelerate climate adaptation in developing countries by building capacity in ministries of finance, planning and economics to understand, plan for, and finance climate adaptation actions.

The RAMP University Network consists of global universities that seek to build capacities to carry out relevant high-quality teaching and research and acts as a strategic and knowledge partner of major international organisations working in this field. The University Network develops curricula and course materials and organises teacher trainings to enable universities in climate-vulnerable countries to offer high-quality graduate-level teaching and professional training. This will enable future and current leaders to effectively address climate-related macro-financial risks and vulnerabilities that threaten public finances, financial and macroeconomic stability, and economic development.

RAMP is a collaboration between the World Resources Institute and the Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS, University of London. The University Network is managed by a Secretariat hosted by SOAS.

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