ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship between Executive gender diversity (EGD) and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9—Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) in the European Union. It investigates whether female representation in corporate governance contributes to innovation‐driven sustainability. Using firm‐level data from LSEG DataStream and applying regression and dynamic Probit models, the study finds that female board representation remains limited, but variation in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and management scores suggests a positive association between EGD and SDG 9 performance. Importantly, the findings indicate that tokenistic representation does not significantly influence innovation; rather, gender diversity must be embedded in supportive organisational cultures and governance structures to impact sustainable industrial development. Drawing on Stakeholder Theory and the Resource‐Based Theory, the study contributes to corporate governance literature by linking gender diversity to innovation and sustainability. It demonstrates that gender representation is most effective when aligned with broader cultural and structural enablers. For firms, the study highlights the need for governance frameworks that empower female leadership in innovation strategies. For policymakers, it suggests that quotas alone are insufficient and should be complemented with institutional mechanisms that strengthen the role of women in advancing SDG 9.
Dsouza et al. (Wed,) studied this question.