The Role of R&D and Innovation on Income Inequality Published in an ESCI-Indexed Journal

The research evaluates the role of innovation indicators such as patent applications, trademark applications, and industrial design applications in distinguishing countries according to their levels of income inequality. Based on the data analyzed, the findings reveal that countries with higher levels of R&D and innovation tend to exhibit lower levels of income inequality, reflecting a close relationship with economic development.

According to the results, patent and trademark applications were identified as the strongest determinants in classifying countries according to their development levels. Through discriminant analysis, the study achieved an overall classification accuracy rate of approximately 76.7%. The findings demonstrate that strengthening innovation ecosystems contributes not only to economic growth but also to a more balanced distribution of income.

The study also emphasizes that inclusive economic policies and R&D investments should be addressed together for sustainable development. Supporting education, entrepreneurship, and technology investments can further enhance the welfare-enhancing effects of innovation on society.

The research provides significant contributions to the literature on the relationship between income inequality and innovation while offering important recommendations for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academic communities.