Does the national innovation system efficiency affect workplace accidents? An empirical analysis in Europe

Purpose – This article examines the relationship between the efficiency of National Innovation Systems (NIS) and occupational safety using a holistic approach. In this context, innovation extends beyond the simple introduction of advanced technologies to include their integration and institutionalisation within established social frameworks, thereby maximising their societal benefits. Design/methodology/approach – Using a panel dataset of 25 European countries over the period 2010–2019, we employ a two-step methodology. First, we estimate NIS efficiency scores through parametric Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). In the second step, we apply alternative panel empirical models for investigating the effect of NIS efficiency on fatal workplace accident rates, controlling for a range of socio-economic, production system and institutional factors. Findings – Our findings indicate that more efficient National Innovation Systems (NIS) are correlated with lower fatal accident rates, thereby supporting the hypothesis that countries with more effective innovation systems are better suited to adopt and implement technologies and practices that enhance workplace safety. Originality/value – The novelty of this analysis lies in the integration of empirical methods by which we incorporate the technological environment into the investigation of workplace accidents.