Awareness of the inevitability of death is often traumatic, yet it can also lead to positive outcomes, such as a deeper appreciation for life and a stronger desire to help others and contribute to society. This study examines the link between an inventor’s post-traumatic growth —triggered by the pre- mature death of a coauthor— and a subsequent increase in pro-social behavior, as reflected in their involvement in developing green innovations. We find such an effect for inventors with little or no prior experience in green technology. Additionally, the relationship is stronger when the deceased coauthor is younger than the inventor and when the inventor works for a small or medium-sized company.
