The Role of Education in the Development of Human Capital: A Bibliometric Analysis of Literature Outputs in 1990–2023

Abstract

Abstract Objective Comprehensive overview of the most relevant topics, trends, and scientific products in the field of the relationship between education and human development. Methodology Bibliometric (VOSviewer v.1.6.10) analysis were used to describe thematic, temporal patterns, clustering of concepts and research networks (geographical and institutional aspects). Findings The study provides a comprehensive overview of the state of research on education’s role in human capital development, offering summarized insights into global trends, thematic shifts, and key contributors to the field. Value Added The article contains quantitative methodological approach to studying current topics and developing research on the impact of education on human development, which is interdisciplinary and covers a large volume of publications. The article defines research thematic and evolutionary-temporal patterns, carries out clustering of research networks according to the affiliation of scientists (geographical and institutional aspects), and identifies leaders of scientific opinion in this field. Recommendations Future research may focus on developing a list of measurable indicators suitable for evaluating the role of education in human development, and social and economic determinants to avoid cognitive biases or irrational and distorted decision making by mainstream agents.