Exploring the impact of natural Resource utilization on human capital development: A sustainable development perspective

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on societies worldwide, highlighting the need for sustainable development practices. This study focuses on the N-11 countries, aiming to investigate the influence of coal rent, oil rent and mineral rent on human capital by controlling the role of economic growth and financial development from 1990 to 2021. The study analysis begins by conducting preliminary tests to address cross-section dependency, slope heterogeneity, unit root, and cointegration to ensure robust and accurate findings. The study employed the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) techniques for the panel data analysis. The LM cointegration method results reveal the existence of long-run relationship among the study variables. These test findings revealed that natural coal rent, oil rent and mineral rent are positively and significantly associated with human capital. We observe that economic growth and financial development also helpful to increase the human development level in these group of countries. Based on these finding, this study suggests different policy implication for these group of countries which will help policymakers to reach on consensus. Exploring the impact of natural resource utilization on human capital development from a sustainable development perspective during COVID-19 highlights the need for informed policy decisions. By considering the economic, social, and environmental dimensions, policymakers can create a resilient and sustainable future. Integrating sustainable development principles, embracing technology and innovation, and fostering international cooperation are essential to ensure a positive impact on human capital development in the face of resource utilization challenges.