Cross-Border Innovation Networks and Strategic Alliances for Sustainability: A Panel Data Econometric Analysis of Global Partnerships

Abstract

The growing interdependence of global economies has reinforced the importance of cross-border innovation networks and strategic alliances as drivers of knowledge diffusion and sustainable development. Despite advances in innovation systems theory, empirical evidence linking international collaboration to sustainability outcomes remains limited. This study addresses this gap using a panel data econometric approach based on a balanced dataset of 60 countries over the period 2020–2024.  The model incorporates fixed and random effects estimations, validated through the Hausman test, and includes interaction terms to capture structural heterogeneity across productivity levels. Results show that cross-border alliances significantly enhance sustainability performance, with stronger effects in high-productivity economies. Innovation output acts as a partial mediator, while digitalization amplifies these effects. The study contributes by integrating network theory with econometric modeling, providing robust evidence on the conditional impact of global innovation networks on sustainability.