Static HTML elements do not have semantic meaning. This is clear in the case of <div> and <span>. It is less so clear in the case of elements that seem semantic, but that do not have a semantic mapping in the accessibility layer. For example <a>, <big>, <blockquote>, <footer>, <picture>, <strike> and <time> -- to name a few -- have no semantic layer mapping. They are as void of meaning as <div>.

The WAI-ARIA role attribute confers a semantic mapping to an element. The semantic value can then be expressed to a user via assistive technology.

In order to add interactivity such as a mouse or key event listener to a static element, that element must be given a role value as well.

Bad Practice

<div onClick={() => {}} />

Recommended

<button onClick={() => {}} className="foo" />
<div className="foo" onClick={() => {}} role="button" />
<input type="text" onClick={() => {}} />