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Sustainable development and research and development intensity in U.S. manufacturing firms

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  • Jean D. Kabongo

Abstract

Across manufacturing sectors, mounting regulatory pressures motivate the adoption of innovative sustainable practices to help address and improve environmental performance. Sustainable practices, however, face many challenges to minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources. This study seeks to understand the effect of research and development intensity on dimensions of environmental performance in manufacturing firms. Using data from U.S. corporations over the period from 1991 through 2015, we find that sustainable practices are associated with a higher level of negative environmental ratings. In addition, the level of environmental concerns tends to decrease with firm investments in research and development intensity over time. These findings suggest that bigger firms are likely to report a higher level of environmental concerns due to their experimentation with sustainable practices. These firms are also likely to reduce negative environmental ratings over time and realize economies of scale with sustainable manufacturing.

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  • Jean D. Kabongo, 2019. "Sustainable development and research and development intensity in U.S. manufacturing firms," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(4), pages 556-566, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:28:y:2019:i:4:p:556-566
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2264
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