Human Capital Investment Research Articles

Narrowing the eco-innovation gender divide: insights for transition economies

ABSTRACT This paper aims to address the gender imbalance in eco-innovation within firms, particularly focusing on the role of top managers. Drawing on Upper Echelon Theory and Social Identity Theory, the study investigates the influence of female CEOs on the promotion of eco-innovation and examines how knowledge factors influence this relationship, especially within transition countries. Using a comprehensive cross-sectional dataset from the World Bank and EBRD (BEEPS), the research analyses over 12,000 firms operating across 28 European and Central Asian transition economies. The findings show that firms led by a female CEO are less likely to engage in eco-innovation. However, the moderating effect of knowledge can complement CEO actions, though this effect varies by macro-area. The study suggests tailored strategies, emphasising the need for knowledge-sharing networks, targeted investments in human capital, and a collaborative organizational culture. These strategies represent concrete steps to enhance management capabilities and mitigating the costs and uncertainties associated with eco-innovation process in specific socio-economic contexts

Unveiling the impact of synergy between digitalization and greening on urban employment in China.

Digitalization and greening are two major characteristics of economic and social development, and promoting the deep synergy of these two factors has significant practical relevance for employment. However, the question of whether synergy between digitalization and greening promotes or hinders employment has not been answered in the literature. Therefore, a synergistic framework was first constructed for urban greening and digitalization based on green pulling and the digital empowerment mechanism. By using data from 281 cities in China from 2011 to 2021, the synergistic effects of digitalization and greening on employment and its underlying mechanisms were explored in this study. The findings revealed that (1) the synergistic development of these two factors can indeed promote employment, and this result remains valid after numerous robustness tests are performed. (2) Mechanism analysis revealed that the synergy can enhance employment by promoting regional innovation and entrepreneurship and increasing human capital investment. (3) Heterogeneity analysis showed that there was a more significantly positive effect on employment in the tertiary industry, in eastern and central regions, and among governments with a greater preference for innovation. (4) Further research has shown that this synergy has a prominent spatial spillover effect on employment, and it remains valid after the matrix is replaced. These results offer policy references for fully unleashing the employment-creating effect of the synergy between digitalization and greening and thereby achieving high-quality development.

Conditional Cash Transfer Programs and the Sustainable Development Goals: Problematizing the Empowering Potential of Conditional Cash Transfer Programs

Abstract Purportedly in line with the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) commitment to end poverty and gender inequality by 2030, conditional cash transfer programs (CCTs) provide poor households with cash contingent on parents making human capital investments in their children. Advocates claim CCTs empower and so benefit women and girls. Critics worry the programs reinforce gendered expectations by tying social protection to “good mothering.” The aim of this paper is to assess whether CCTs are compatible with the SDGs’ stated aims with regards to Goal 5 on gender equality and empowerment. I argue that CCTs run contrary to the stated aims of SDG 5. CCTs rely on and perpetuate sexist ideology about women while simultaneously policing women’s behavior to ensure they fulfill the state’s conception of a “good mother.” Notwithstanding the potential benefits women receive from CCTs, the programs prevent the disruption of power relations by reinforcing norms that incentivize women to engage in self-subordinating ways in exchange for cash. Given that the programs re-entrench and police gender norms, CCTs thwart progress towards SDG 5 and so move us no closer to a gender equal world.

The fall and rise of parental financial investments during the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractObjectiveThis research note investigates changes in American parents' financial investments in children during the COVID‐19 pandemic, as well as whether and how changes in parents' spending varied based on parental education.BackgroundParents purchase goods, experiences, and services that shape children's human capital and life chances. Socioeconomic differences in parental expenditures on children represent an important pathway for perpetuating inequality across generations. The COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted children's lives in ways that may have changed these levels of investment.MethodThe 2015–2022 Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX) is used to describe spending on five key categories of investments in children's human capital (educational spending, extracurricular activities and lessons, computers and tablets, formal childcare, informal childcare) overall and by parental education. Mediation analysis assesses the extent school closures explain these changes.ResultsChildcare and extracurricular expenditures initially decreased significantly and then gradually recovered to pre‐pandemic levels by the end of 2021. Cutbacks were primarily among more educated families. However, spending on schooling increased in 2021 and computer and tablet purchases spiked in 2020, particularly among more educated families. Mediation analysis suggests that when expenditures were most affected by the pandemic (in 2020), school closures explained 50%–70% of those changes.ConclusionThis note provides evidence that during the pandemic socioeconomic inequalities in child‐related spending decreased in some categories of spending (e.g., childcare and extracurriculars) and increased in others (e.g., computers and tablets). Many changes appeared short‐term, but changes in education point to possible longer‐term shifts in parents' preferences about children's educational environments.

Asymmetric Effects of Corruption on CO2 Emissions in Pakistan: The Role of Human Capital and Foreign Direct Investment

This study aims to examine the relationship between corruption, human capital, FDI, GDP and CO2 emissions in Pakistan from 1996 to 2022. This study utilized the NARDL approach to estimate the asymmetric association. The empirical findings revealed that corruption in positive shocks enhances CO2 emissions while, in negative shocks, it mitigates CO2 emissions. Human capital and FDI played beneficial roles in decreasing CO2 emissions. On the other hand, GDP exacerbated CO2.The results highlight the importance of stringent accountability measures to stop more environmental damage. The study recommends that to effectively tackle both corruption and environmental challenges, there is a crucial need to invest in human capital. Strengthening human capital can help enhance accountability, reduce corruption, and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Trade liberalization and total factor productivity in Brazil: A vecm modeling.

This paper aims to investigate trade openness's effects on total factor productivity (TFP) using monthly data from December 1991 to March 2024. The analysis also incorporated absorptive capacity to examine the behavior of TFP components. Our findings from a multivariate VECM model indicated that absorptive capacity did not significantly impact TFP, even in the short term. Conversely, the increase in openness contributes to raising TFP by about 26 and 0.16 percentage points in the short and long term, respectively. Additionally, absorptive capacity and trade openness Granger-Cause short- and long-term components of TFP. These results are statistically significant at conventional significance levels. Policymakers should consider the dynamic effects of their policy actions on other sectors of the economy that were not initially the focus of the policy. Policymakers should develop concrete policies that improve the efficient use of resources in production chains to potentialize the productive impact of trade liberalization, including investment in human capital, ICT, and research and development.

Comovement of Labor Supply and Human Capital Investment in Policy Analysis

Quantitative studies of human capital report the comovement of labor and human capital investment in response to policy changes, which is usually understood based on the intuition that human capital is utilized only while working: both inputs are complements in the formation of effective labor. Given the lack of (i) theoretical analysis of exact conditions and (ii) the preference-side intuition that both inputs involve disutility leading to a similar comovement, we fill the gap. The general condition for the comovement specifies the minimum extent of disutility smoothing between labor and human capital investment, and the prior intuition relaxes this condition, raising comovement possibilities. The conclusion has wide applicabilities in policy analysis.

Teen parent trap? The education and labor implications of motherhood and fatherhood during the transition from adolescence to Adulthood in Cebu, the Philippines

For both males and females, adolescent parenthood can affect human capital investments and labor market choices during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. However, only scant evidence exists on the educational and labor implications of adolescent motherhood in developing countries and there is none on adolescent fatherhood. Using fixed effects, linear, and hazard models on a matched sample, we examine the association between early parenthood and education and labor market outcomes for a cohort of adolescents using longitudinal data from Cebu, the Philippines. While we find that early parenthood is associated with poorer educational outcomes for both teen mothers and fathers, the association is stronger for mothers. Upon becoming parents, labor market participation reduces for teen mothers but increases for teen fathers. Teen parents (both mothers and fathers) face a higher hazard of leaving school early, but teen fathers exhibit a substantially higher hazard of entering the labor market earlier. In young adulthood, conditional on working, both teen mothers and fathers are more likely to be informally employed. This paper highlights the potential gains from delaying first childbirth for adolescent males and females.

Study on the Interactive Effect Between Public Library Construction and Human Capital Investment Efficiency

This paper measures the public library construction (PLC) level and the human capital investment (HCI) efficiency of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021, tests the linkage effect and coupling coordination between PLC and HCI. The results show that: 1) the PLC level and the HCI efficiency of China shows a trend of rapid increase and fluctuating decrease respectively during this period, but the gap between regions is obvious. Both the PLC level and the HCI efficiency in the eastern region are obviously better than those in the central region and the western region. 2) There is not only a positive linkage effect between PLC and HCI efficiency, which promotes each other, but also the level of collaborative development between PLC and HCI efficiency shows a steady upward trend, with the coupling level reaching level 6, which is about to enter the primary coordination state, but there are obvious regional differences.

EDUCATION-DEVELOPMENT NEXUS: THE NIGERIA’S EXPERIENCE

Development as a concept and a process transcends individuals and society, thus, considered as a multidimensional process of change and transformation manifesting in economic growth, progress and prosperity in environmental, social, psychological, political and demographic components of society. It is about increasing the chances and improving the well-being of every individual to attain their full potentials in society, through human capital investment. Education has been equated to be the indisputable means of investing in people in order to explore their potentialities, creativity, innovation and self-consciousness. This conceptualises the concept of development as growth in the nation’s or societal income and economy with corresponding enhancement of material well-being of individuals in terms of basic necessities of life such as education, food, clothing, shelter, skills, freedom, self-discipline. It showcases some development issues in Nigeria and argued that provision of qualitative education to citizenry directly affects the level of society’s growth and development. The growth theory however lays emphasis on growth rate differentials across countries, the role of externalities in determining the rate of return on capital investments, and assuming that both public and private investments in human capital help in generating external economies and productivity improvements.

Bridging the gap: how education transforms health outcomes and influences health inequality in rural China.

This study focuses on the impact of education on health and health inequalities in rural areas of China. Education significantly enhances economic status and health, driving economic growth and improving public health standards. Integral to the "Healthy China Strategy," it provides essential guidance for public policy and underscores the need for strategic human capital investments to achieve these goals. The study utilizes data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) spanning 2010-2020 and employs the average educational level within counties as an instrumental variable. The causal impact of education on health and health inequalities is estimated using the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between enhancing education levels and health improvements. Specifically, after controlling for endogeneity, the duration of individual education significantly improves both subjective and objective health outcomes. It reduces health inequalities, with these effects being more pronounced among women and low-income groups. Mechanistically, education positively impacts health primarily by altering health behaviors and social network levels and reducing health inequalities through socio-economic factors. This paper provides important implications for public policy, suggesting that enhancing educational investments can drive economic development and improve population health standards.

Hypothesis Test of Human Capital Investment Determinants on Institution’s Performance Using PLS-SEM Approach

Accelerating the quality of education institutions remains a priority for Malaysian Government as it forms the foundation for building a high caliber talent in the labor market. Focusing on improving the quality of universities one of the main concerns is to develop the human quality through increasing the quality and resilience of human capital as the enabler towards competitive global market. In general, this paper recognizes the findings on the role of human capital investment (HCI) determinants and their significant contribution to institution’s performance. It also emphasizes the roles of HCI in institution's success and survival in a highly competitive business environment as highlighted in The Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) and Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025. Human capital strategically contributes to the quality of academics in turn affects issues such as inefficient labor markers in achieving the greater quality of Malaysia's education system specifically. Hence, to analyze the contribution of determinants a theoretical model was constructed underlined by Human Capital Theory, Resource Based View (RBV) and Malcom Baldrige criteria. Then to obtain the feedback a survey consisting of sixty (66) items with a seven (7) Likert scale was used as the measurement instrument to gather the data from 309 lecturers in UiTM. Data then were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling approach on the SmartPLS3 platform. The result explained coefficient of determination (R2) value of 66.9% suggested that the variance of institution performance could moderately be explained by HCI determinants where knowledge, skill and training positively influenced the performance of the institution.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC SPENDING IN BRAZIL'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (2000 TO 2023)

Public expenditure can influence economic development by increasing public investment. This study seeks to analyze the importance of public investments in education, health, infrastructure and human capital in the process of economic development. The objective of the article is to address, from a theoretical perspective, the relevance of public spending in Brazilian economic development. The research showed that an efficient allocation of public spending in different strategic, innovative areas with potential disseminators can influence and influence the country's economic development.

Regional Development Policies in Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries: A Comparative Analysis

This essay explores the regional development policies applied in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries using a comparative qualitative analysis method. It focuses on infrastructure development, human capital investment, regional integration, and technological innovation policies. It compares development policies in China, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan highlighting key projects which have fostered regional connectivity and economic growth. By comparing these policies, the essay evaluates how these initiatives have contributed to reducing regional disparities. This study aims to provide insights into how regional development policies can address Afghanistan’s socio-economic disparities and promote sustainable development. Despite notable successes, the research identifies ongoing challenges such as political instability, limited financial resources, and weak regional cooperation that impede further progress in Afghanistan. Key policy recommendations for Afghanistan include enhancing regional cooperation, investing in technological infrastructure, and developing human capital to achieve sustainable growth and stability.

Corruption and emigration from the Western Balkans: evidence from a dynamic system GMM model (2012-2022)

According to neoclassical models, migration takes place when there is a strong probability that individuals will recoup their human capital investments. As a result, workers typically move from low-income to high-income areas and the larger the expected income gap between areas, the higher the number of migrants. In countries where corruption is endemic, jobs are often secured through political connections and bribes. This will lead to a higher unemployment level as well as to a lower return to human capital. Consequently, a significant proportion of the population considers emigration as the only path to succeed. The present study is focused on the impact of corruption on emigration from six Western Balkan countries. A System Generalized Method of Moments is estimated to analyze migrant stocks in 28 receiving countries during the period from 2012 to 2022. We suggest that corruption can directly influence migration stocks in receiving countries.

THE REALITY OF DATE PRODUCTION IN ALGERIA AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH NATIONAL INCOME: AN ECONOMETRIC STUDY USING THE AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG (ARDL) MODEL DURING THE PERIOD 2000-2019

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the evolution of date production in Algeria and its impact on the country's national income (GDP) from 2000 to 2019. This research aims to analyze the short-term and long-term relationships between date production and national income, assessing the significance of agricultural policies in enhancing the productivity and economic contribution of the date sector. Ultimately, the study seeks to highlight the role of date production in diversifying Algeria's exports and contributing to sustainable economic growth. Theoretical Framework: This study explores the relationship between date production and national income in Algeria, using agricultural productivity theory, endogenous growth theory, export diversification theory, and the ARDL model. It aims to understand the impact of agricultural policies, human capital investment, and export diversification on Algeria's date production, highlighting the potential for economic diversification. Method: This study analyzes the relationship between date production and Algeria's GDP from 2000 to 2019, using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. Data sources include Algeria's GDP and date production data. The study uses unit root tests, bounds testing, and error correction models to estimate the relationship. Statistical software like EViews or R is used for analysis. Results and Discussion: The study reveals a positive relationship between date production and national income in Algeria from 2000 to 2019. The data suggests that agricultural policies have led to an upward trajectory in date production, while GDP has grown significantly. The study also highlights the importance of date production in Algeria's economy, particularly in diversifying exports. The long-term relationship suggests sustained investment in date production will yield continued benefits for national income. Research Implications: The study highlights the importance of supporting agricultural policies that enhance productivity in Algeria's date sector. It suggests broader export diversification strategies, infrastructure development, and economic development. Strengthening date production can create job opportunities, stimulate rural development, and contribute to food security. Future research should explore other agricultural products, climate change, and technological innovations to improve yields and sustainability in the sector. Originality/Value: The study explores Algeria's date production and national income relationship, providing insights for policymakers to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons and foster sustainable growth.

Health, economic and social impacts of the Brazilian cash transfer program on the lives of its beneficiaries: a scoping review

BackgroundThe Bolsa Família cash transfer Program (BFP) aims to break the poverty cycle by providing a minimum income to poor families conditioned on their investment in human capital (such as, education and health) and currently is the largest Program in the world in terms of the number of beneficiaries. Because there is a scarcity of reviews grouping studies on the impacts of the BFP, the objective of this scoping review was to identify and describe studies which evaluate the impact of the BFP on poverty, health, education, and other related outcomes.MethodsWe searched for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method articles that assessed the impact of the BFP on any aspect of the beneficiaries' lives between 2003 and March 2021. We included quantitative articles that used experimental, quasi-experimental or pre and post comparison designs. We excluded articles that analyzed impacts on political outcomes. There was no age restriction for the participants. The search was done in seven electronic databases.ResultsOne thousand five hundred forty-six papers were identified and 94 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Poverty and health outcomes were the most common outcomes studied. We found consistent evidence of the positive impact of the BFP on poverty reduction, as well as employment outcomes. We also found positive impacts in relation to mortality rates for children and adults, school dropout and school attendance among children and adolescents, and violence related outcomes such as homicide, suicide, crime, and hospitalization. However, we also found some evidence that BFP increased intimate partner violence and gender stereotypes among women and no evidence of impact on teenage pregnancy.ConclusionsOverall, the studies included found that BFP showed positive impacts on most poverty, health and education outcomes. More studies are needed to confirm some results, especially about violence and stereotype against women as there were few evaluations on these outcomes.

Potensi Inovasi Indonesia di Tengah Bonus Demografi: Menjawab Tantangan Global

Indonesia’s demographic bonus, marked by a large working-age population, offers significant potential to drive economic growth and innovation. However, despite this demographic advantage, Indonesia faces challenges in workforce quality, investment in research and development (R&D), and technological infrastructure. According to the Global Innovation Index 2023, Indonesia ranks 62nd out of 132 countries in innovation. The low proportion of skilled workers and the lack of formal training programs within companies exacerbate the innovation gap. To fully leverage its demographic potential, Indonesia needs comprehensive policy reforms in education and R&D, increased investment in human capital, and strengthened technological infrastructure. Without these improvements, the demographic bonus risks turning into a long-term burden rather than a catalyst for innovation and economic growth.

The Alarming Exodus of Nigerian Professionals: The Devastating Consequences of Human Capital Flight and Migration on Nigeria's Economic Development

Purpose: This study rigorously investigates the phenomenon of human capital flight and migration in Nigeria, emphasizing the alarming exodus of skilled professionals and its profound implications for the nation's economic development. By contextualizing brain drain within the broader landscape of labour mobility, this work seeks to elucidate the factors driving the migration of educated individuals, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. Materials and Methods: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research synthesizes qualitative data from academic literature, policy documents, and empirical studies, alongside quantitative analysis drawn from migration statistics and socioeconomic metrics. This robust methodological framework supports a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between migration, brain drain, and national development, facilitating a deeper understanding of the ramifications of skilled labour loss. Findings: The findings indicate that Nigeria's alarming exodus of professionals is intricately linked to a confluence of factors, including systemic corruption, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited employment prospects. This human capital flight significantly undermines the quality and accessibility of essential services in critical sectors, leading to substantial socio-economic disparities. Consequently, the loss of skilled labour constrains Nigeria's competitive edge and stunts its economic resilience and growth potential. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This inquiry extends beyond descriptive analysis to propose a nuanced framework for understanding the theoretical implications of human capital flight and migration in developing economies. It underscores the urgent need for policymakers to undertake comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of this phenomenon, fostering a conducive environment that retains talent while enhancing human capital investment and innovation capacity.

THEORIES OF ECONOMICS AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF ALTRUISM IN “TWINNING” THE EGYPTIAN TOURISM AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES

Theories of economics and the philosophy of altruism in “twinning” this paper studies the endogenous formation of interfiling altruism. The theory suggests that incentive to foster tourism and textile industries is positively related to efficiency gains from more human capital investment in the more gifted tourism and textile industries. The empirical analyses explore the plausibly exogenous within-twin difference in for the development of Matrouh governorate, Egypt, consistent with the theory, the estimation results show that a larger difference in tourism and textile industries. Leads to more intensive you win-to to be-win practice to tourism and textile industries and that when such practice is more intensive, the heavier tourism and textile industries obtains more investment relative to the other tourism and others industries as the philosophy of altruism in “twinning”.