The influence of cooperative innovation on employment from the perspective of sustainable development goals

Cooperation between different actors in business innovation is crucial for economic development and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines the relationship between innovation cooperation and the employment objectives of firms, such as job maintenance and creation. Using a sample of 5,397 firms from the PITEC database (2010-2016) and a binomial logit model with panel data, the findings indicate that innovation cooperation increases the likelihood that job maintenance and creation become core goals of technological innovation. Furthermore, the involvement of more actors raises the likelihood of establishing employment as one of the objectives of innovation. Such cooperation contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals), while also positively impacting employment, in line with SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth). The effect varies by partner type: partners from industry mainly support job maintenance and creation, while universities often focus on creating qualified jobs.