Rodrigues, João LoureiroEngida, Tadesse GetacherTenzer, Yannick2025-08-142025-08-142025-01-312025-01-31http://hdl.handle.net/10362/186433This pioneering study investigates the impact of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) on corporate sustainability performance and explores the moderating role of R&D intensity on this relationship, using a Difference-in-Difference approach. Contrary to expectations, the CSRD negatively impacted overall ESG performance of EU-based firms compared to US counterparts, with performance damps in social and governance dimensions but no significant impact on environmental performance. R&D intensity did not moderate this relationship. Policymakers are encouraged to use the insights gained to refine regulations and adapt future framework development processes. For managers, it highlights that compliance alone does not guarantee ESG improvements.engCSRDESGSustainability reportingRegulatory impactR&D intensityDiDmaster thesis203960629