The assessment of performance trends and convergence in education and training systems of European countries

Abstract

The Strategic Framework for European Cooperation in Education and Training (ET 2020) aimed to promote the exchange of best practices among the Member States. This paper assesses the performance evolution of European countries in terms of the common objectives for the education sector. The framework used to evaluate European education systems is based on constructing a composite indicator adopting a “benefit-of-the-doubt” approach. The evaluation of performance change over time is done using a Global Malmquist Index. Sigma and beta convergence of EU countries are also explored using non-parametric frontier techniques. The results are analysed for the period 2009–2018 and discussed in light of the goals envisaged and the national policies adopted. The results revealed a trend of improvement in the performance of education systems in most European countries in the period analysed. Although most European countries moved closer to the European best practice frontier over time, as confirmed by the values of sigma-convergence, a few countries are still lagging considerably below their peers, as revealed by the existence of divergence in beta.