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Investigating the Human Capital Development–growth Nexus

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  • Cristian Barra
  • Roberto Zotti

Abstract

In this article, we test whether economic growth depends on human capital development mainly operating through an upgrading of human capital stock in the area where the universities are located. We specify a growth model where a qualitative measure of human capital development, university efficiency, is considered in conjunction with a customary quantitative measure of human capital development, number of graduates. The model is estimated on panel data over the period 2003 to 2011. The evidence suggests that both indicators of human capital development have a positive and significant impact on gross domestic product per capita. Results also show that knowledge spillovers occur between areas through the geographical proximity to the efficient universities, suggesting that the geography of production is affected. Results hold when robustness checks are performed.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristian Barra & Roberto Zotti, 2017. "Investigating the Human Capital Development–growth Nexus," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 40(6), pages 638-678, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:inrsre:v:40:y:2017:i:6:p:638-678
    DOI: 10.1177/0160017615626215
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    5. Alexandru Pavel & Bogdan Moldovan & Bogdana Neamtu & Cristina Hintea, 2018. "Are Investments in Basic Infrastructure the Magic Wand to Boost the Local Economy of Rural Communities from Romania?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-32, September.
    6. Herbst Mikołaj & Kaczmarczyk Paweł & Wójcik Piotr, 2017. "Migration of Graduates Within a Sequential Decision Framework: Evidence from Poland," Central European Economic Journal, Sciendo, vol. 1(48), pages 1-18, November.
    7. Alexandru Pavel & Octavian Moldovan, 2019. "Determining Local Economic Development in the Rural Areas of Romania. Exploring the Role of Exogenous Factors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, January.
    8. Tommaso Agasisti & Aleksei Egorov & Daria Zinchenko & Oleg Leshukov, 2018. "Universities’ Efficiency And Regional Economic Short-Run Growth: Empirical Evidence From Russia," HSE Working papers WP BRP 203/EC/2018, National Research University Higher School of Economics.

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