Motivated by both the theory on socio-cultural drivers of technological innovation (Coccia 2014b), the hindering and facilitating theories on religion and innovation (Liu et al., 2018), and the Schwartz's value theory (Schwartz, 2006), this paper aims to provide empirical evidence between the two variables. In particular, we explore the impact of major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism) on innovative activities globally. Using data for 113 countries (core sample) from 1996 to 2010² with treatments for endogeneity, we find significant direct effects of religious affiliations on innovative activities. In particular, Christianity and Judaism reduce innovation, while in general, Buddhism and Irreligion increase innovation. The effect of Islam on innovation is largely insignificant. The effects of denominations of Christianity, Judaism are also largely negative, except for Catholics and Orthodox Judaism. The results also indicate that the direction of impact stays relatively unchanged across countries with different levels of democracy, income and religion regulation.

受技术创新的社会文化驱动理论（Coccia 2014b）、宗教与创新的阻碍和促进理论（Liu et al., 2018）以及施瓦茨的价值理论（Schwartz, 2006）的推动，本文旨在提供两个变量之间的经验证据。我们特别探讨主要宗教（基督教，犹太教，伊斯兰教和佛教）对全球创新活动的影响。使用1996年至2010年间113个国家/地区的数据（核心样本）²通过内生性治疗，我们发现宗教信仰对创新活动有显着的直接影响。特别是基督教和犹太教减少了创新，而总的来说，佛教和非宗教增加了创新。伊斯兰教对创新的影响在很大程度上是微不足道的。除了天主教和东正教犹太教外，基督教、犹太教教派的影响也在很大程度上是负面的。结果还表明，不同民主、收入和宗教监管水平的国家的影响方向保持相对不变。